Cobalt Production & Pollution in DRC

A new report titled “Toxic Transition: How the world’s largest cobalt producer has allegedly poisoned communities” has accused CMOC Group Limited of causing serious environmental and public health damage in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The company, often referred to as the “30k plant”, is currently the world’s largest producer of cobalt. Its major mining operations are located at the Tenke Fungurume Mine in the DRC.

Key Findings of the Report

• The report alleges that the mining operations of CMOC Group Limited have polluted the air, violated national environmental laws, and displaced more than 12,000 people living near its facilities.
• Communities around the mining sites have reportedly been exposed to toxic emissions, particularly sulphur dioxide (SO₂) released during the processing of copper-cobalt ore.
• Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) is a harmful gas known to cause respiratory inflammation, aggravated asthma, and other severe health issues.

Global Importance of Cobalt

Cobalt is a critical mineral used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles (EVs) and other clean energy technologies. In 2024, nearly 43% of global cobalt demand came from the EV industry.

A significant portion of cobalt mined at the Tenke Fungurume Mine is exported to China and Europe for battery manufacturing.

Global Cobalt Production

The Democratic Republic of the Congo remains the world’s largest producer of cobalt, accounting for over 70% of global mine production. In 2023, the country produced roughly 170,000 metric tons of cobalt. Nearly half of global cobalt output now comes from operations run by CMOC Group Limited in the DRC.

Source: DTE