Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) accounts for an estimated 15–25% of DRC cobalt production and is associated with the most significant human rights risks in the cobalt supply chain. An estimated 150,000–200,000 artisanal miners work in the DRC cobalt sector, with UNICEF estimating that approximately 40,000 children are involved in cobalt mining in the Katanga region.
Key ASM Risks
- Child labour: Children as young as 6 work as "creuseurs" (diggers) in artisanal pits, carrying heavy loads and exposed to toxic cobalt dust
- Unsafe working conditions: Unshored tunnels, lack of protective equipment, exposure to cobalt and uranium dust
- Conflict financing: Some ASM sites are controlled or taxed by armed groups
- Environmental degradation: Uncontrolled excavation, acid drainage, and land degradation
- Lack of legal status: Most ASM miners operate without formal permits or legal protection
ASM Formalisation Initiatives
Several initiatives are working to formalise DRC cobalt ASM and improve conditions:
- Fair Cobalt Alliance (FCA): Industry coalition supporting ASM formalisation, child labour elimination, and community development in the DRC
- Responsible Cobalt Initiative (RCI): Chinese industry initiative convening downstream companies to improve ASM conditions
- Solutions for Hope: Partnership between Freeport Cobalt, Apple, and others to source ASM cobalt through a responsible supply chain
- Better Cobalt: RMI-administered program providing a responsible pathway for ASM cobalt
Compliance Approach for ASM Cobalt
Companies sourcing cobalt that may include ASM material should: conduct enhanced due diligence on DRC sourcing; engage with ASM formalisation initiatives; support programs that improve ASM conditions rather than simply excluding ASM cobalt (which can harm livelihoods without improving conditions); and report transparently on ASM exposure and mitigation measures.