Don't forget! While we criticise cobalt, oil destroys quietly

Electric cars have boosted public interest in mining. It's great, but also a bit odd, since most mining is for fossil fuels: we extract 2.5 billion tonnes of oil each year just to keep cars, trucks and buses on the road. That's over four thousand times more than the annual mining of the three main metals used in new car batteries. Keep in mind that electric car batteries last for at least ten years, while traditional cars need a constant oil supply, which is also gone forever, unlike batteries that can be recycled.

This comparison doesn't even consider that electricity can come from burning fossil fuels. But even here, electric cars win: they use four times less energy than petrol cars for the same distance. Plus, nearly half of Europe's electricity (and over 30% globally) already comes from renewables, and that number is growing.

It's surprising how easily we forget about the impact of oil extraction and processing. Oil plants and refineries aren't exactly eco-friendly, and some of the worst environmental disasters have been caused by massive oil spills. And let's not forget about air pollution from traffic. Oil products seem harmless because they turn into CO2 when burned—invisible and odourless, yet devastating to the climate. Since we can't see or smell it, it's easy to ignore.

The cobalt issue

Now, let's talk about metals, specifically cobalt. Most of it comes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it's mined alongside copper. About 80% of Congolese cobalt is mined industrially, but the remaining 20% comes from small-scale mines where child labour is common. This minority employs over 80% of the workers in the sector, highlighting the dire conditions in the country.

Currently, 40% of cobalt is used in car batteries, but it's gradually being replaced thanks to advances in chemistry. Another 30% goes into small batteries like those in smartphones and laptops, where it's still irreplaceable. The rest is used in various applications like metallurgy and medicine. No one cared about Congolese cobalt before electric cars, and the conditions for workers mining other resources are often just as bad. Lately, attention has shifted to nickel, but most of it is used in metallurgy without much concern for ethics or the environment.

A bit less hypocrisy and more awareness, moderation, and responsibility would go a long way. Remember this next time you're tempted by a deal on a new smartphone or laptop, powered by a battery full of untraceable African cobalt.

This article is also published in Italian on Sapere. illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability & Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.