U.K’s Sky News report has revealed that cobalt mining in Congo uses child labor to dig for cobalt with their hands. The shocking news has triggered Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) to temporarily halt the buying of Cobalt from the DRC citing that it will not be part of breaking the laws of enslaving underage children. Cobalt is one of the essential components in the making of smartphones.
Apple has been using cobalt sourced from small-scale mines in the DRC with Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Company being the main supplier. Surprisingly, it is not the first time that news of child labor and poor working conditions at the mines has hit the airwaves. In 2014, Apple was put in the spotlight with allegations that it had closed its eyes regarding several of its suppliers.
But it has taken Apple very long to take action
The question is, why has the iPhone-maker taken so long to take action and only after the story broke about it a year ago? Apparently, a Washington report has it that Apple had vowed to clean up the mess within its Cobalt supply chain last year. However, other sources revealed that it was afraid of hurting the Congolese miners.
Some claim that the new development could be hypocrisy from a company that claims to have human rights’ interests at heart. Many of those involved in the mining industry are in anguish because of poor health. Makumba Mateba, one of the victims says, “We only drink the water which comes from the mining sites after all the minerals have been washed in it. It comes right through our village and I drink it and I’m sure it’s that which has made me sick.”
Most Apple fans expect more from Apple than PR statements
Despite the industry problem, Apple remains one of the most celebrated tech firms. Nonetheless, fans are demanding more than just good gospel. Many are suggesting collaboration in making the industry better by sacrificing to help children in labor camps. Though it is unclear how boycotting cobalt will help the children, who may end up on the street or in prostitution as a result.
Apple states that it is already in coordination with local groups in enhancing working conditions and halting child labor. Meanwhile, Apple’s stock closed at $139.52 an increase of $0.18 or 0.13%.
