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“Cobalt Red”: Smartphones & Electric Cars Rely on Toxic Mineral Mined in Congo by Children
(www.democracynow.org)
The vast portion of minerals, chemicals, and elements are toxic, dangerous, and carcinogenic, and that should not stop us from using them if there is no better alternative.
The primary focus is that workers and literal children are being forced to mine this by hand in abject slavery for the betterment of billionaires and capitalists.
This stuff should be mined by veteran, experienced miners in full hazmat gear and using robots where possible. As is done with uranium mining.
This mining can be done ethically and effectively, but it costs a few dollars more of course. Disgusting.