News

Prof. Dr. Jana Hönke has written a blog article for the Peace Academy Rhineland-Palatinate together with Lisa Skender, student in the master program "Development Studies":

"Cobalt as a 'Conflict Mineral'? On the opportunities and limits of new supply chain laws."  (Article is in German)

Abstract:

Finally driving an e-car and surfing on smartphones and tablets with a clear conscience? That's what "clean" or "ethical" cobalt is supposed to promise. Although cobalt has not yet been included in supply chain laws as one of the defined "conflict minerals," such as tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold, it has attracted attention. With global demand for cobalt on the rise, there are increased reports of poor working conditions, child labor and exploitation in cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Including cobalt as a conflict mineral to enforce human rights for an "ethical" cobalt trade is being discussed as a solution.