About three-fourths of world’s cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by
(a) Argentina
(b) Botswana
(c) the Democratic Republic of the Congo
(d) Kazakhstan
The correct answer is (c), the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The DRC is the world’s largest producer of cobalt, accounting for about 70% of global production. Cobalt is a key ingredient in the batteries that power electric vehicles, and demand for the metal is expected to grow as the EV market expands.
The DRC’s cobalt mining industry is plagued by human rights abuses, including child labor and unsafe working conditions. There have also been reports of environmental damage caused by cobalt mining. Some companies have taken steps to address these issues, but more needs to be done to ensure that cobalt is mined responsibly.
The DRC is a resource-rich country, but it is also one of the poorest countries in the world. The majority of the population lives below the poverty line, and the country has a long history of political instability and conflict. The DRC’s cobalt mining industry has the potential to bring economic development to the country, but it is important that the industry is developed in a way that benefits all Congolese people.
Inputs from Geography Mindmap Notes & Current Affairs Notes
