The Democratic Republic of Congo, located in Central Africa is known for its raw materials such as Copper, Tin, Diamonds, and most importantly Cobalt. Cobalt, an element to power lithium-ion batteries in electronic devices is in high demand across many tech companies. But because of the lack of leadership and regulations. Congo is experiencing instability, especially since the Dodd-Frank bill does NOT list Cobalt as an element that had to be publicly stated where it comes from. Therefore Cobalt is a conflict material that pays for child labor and poor working conditions. Leading up to Congo’s natural wealth which has threatened armed groups to take control, and deforestation Congo’s natural wealth is leading to instability in the region because since Cobalt, one of Congo’s most important resources they supply is much lighter and packs more energy than lead-acid batteries, powerful companies such as Apple have an obligation to create wealth in the area. Therefore they depend on Congo for cobalt, across the world. These corporations are participating and supporting child …show more content…
Because Congo has many resources, they are all found underground. Therefore people are taking risks and huge actions to find more space by digging underground. This has lead up to huge deforestation rates in Congo’s rainforest. And because trees release oxygen to living things across an environment and provide natural filtration , with less trees and more mining, toxic contamination are found in lakes. Trees are also shelter and supply food to animals. But with 3,000 trees being cut down each day mountain gorillas and elephants populations have decreased, which are endangered animals. “Deforestation, erosion , and contamination have threatened the biodiversity of the Congo Basin Rainforest” according to an expert text. Congo’s natural wealth has led to the cutting down of trees, hurting animals, air, and