Cobalt Red

Cobalt Red is a searing, unprecedented exposé that delves deeply into the dire human and environmental toll wrought by cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With an unflinching lens, activist and researcher Siddharth Kara presents a vivid portrait of the Congolese people's harrowing experiences. Through in-depth testimonies, Kara reveals the relentless suffering and unimaginable conditions endured by those caught in the brutal grasp of the cobalt supply chain. Kara’s journey takes him to the heart of militia-controlled mining territories, where he meticulously traces the cobalt mined by children to the high-tech gadgets that so many of us rely on daily. The book exposes the grim realities faced by men, women, and children who toil under sub-human conditions, digging the essential cobalt that fuels our smartphones, tablets, laptops, and electric vehicles.

More than 70 percent of the world's cobalt comes from the Congo, extracted by peasants and, tragically, by children. The book unveils the stark and crucial narrative that billions globally are unknowingly complicit in this human rights and environmental calamity. Siddharth Kara argues persuasively that the catastrophic conditions in the Congo must be a matter of urgent concern for all of us. His investigative work highlights the pressing need for ethical practices in the tech supply chain, urging us to acknowledge our implicit role and to advocate for change.

At the heart of Cobalt Red are the voices of the Congolese people themselves, whose stories of courage and suffering are a powerful call to action. This book is not just an investigative report but a clarion call for moral responsibility and change. With painstaking detail and poignant testimonies, Kara crafts a narrative that is as informative as it is heartbreaking. The book demands that we confront the uncomfortable truth about the cost of our digital age.

Cobalt Red is essential reading for anyone concerned about human rights, environmental justice, and the unseen consequences of modern technology. It’s a profound wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for transparency and ethical sourcing in the global supply chains that power our everyday lives.