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Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives

Siddharth Kara

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What Members Thought

Jan 01, 2023 LibraryCin rated it liked it

Shelves: politics, history, africa, technology, congo, mining

3.5 stars

In the Western world, almost all our technological devices use rechargeable batteries, and with the push to move to more electronic vehicles, there are more and more rechargeables needed. A good amount of cobalt goes into each of those batteries, and the Congo is where you’ll find the majority of cobalt to be mined.

Unfortunately the bulk of the people who do that mining are “artisanal” miners – they are mining on their own, so to speak; they are not employed by any company. They are ex ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Feb 27, 2023 Susan Tunis rated it really liked it

4.5 stars.

3 likes · Like · see review

May 27, 2025 Jen K rated it it was amazing

A powerful and heart breaking look at the human rights atrocities involved in mining cobalt which is used for longevity in batteries for smart phones, tablets, laptops and electric (EV) vehicles. All the trying to do the right thing for the environment really is devasting the landscape and people of the DRC.

Kara travels several times to visit the DRC visiting government officials, mine leadership and especially the communities of the mines especially the "artisan miners" which is a fancy term f ...more

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