Congressman Introduces Bill to Stop Cobalt Mined by Child Exploitation and Forced Labor From Entering US Market

Cobalt is a key natural resource used to power electric vehicles, solar panels, and other purportedly “green” products. Around 90 percent of it originates from

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 25: Rep. Chris Smith ((R-NJ) speaks at the 5th Birthday And Beyond event at the Russell Senate Office Building on June 25, 2014 in Washington, DC. Photo by Larry French/Getty Images

New legislation has been introduced to stop cobalt, which is extracted or processed with the use of child or forced labor in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), from entering the U.S. market.

The legislation, HR 7891, was introduced on April 16 by Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), who is also the Chair of the House Global Human Rights Subcommittee.