Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining
A minor portion of cobalt production is derived from artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). ASM cobalt is largely unique to the DRC, with no significant artisanal cobalt mining known to take place elsewhere.
ASM operations are typically low-capital and labour-intensive. The number of people involved in ASM and the volume of production fluctuate annually, often driven by cobalt prices relative to other raw materials, such as copper.
Due to market surplus, ASM production has reached a record low, with ASM accounting for an estimated 2% of total cobalt supply from the DRC in 2024.
Source: Cobalt Market Report 2024,
Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, Darton Commodities
Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, Darton Commodities
%
of total cobalt supply from the DRC in 2024
The ASM sector has been connected to significant challenges, including corruption, environmental degradation, hazardous working conditions, gender discrimination, unfair trading practices, and, in some cases, the worst forms of child labour. These issues are deeply rooted in poverty and corruption and are unlikely to end without improvements in education, alternative livelihood opportunities, and better governance.
It is also important to recognise that some artisanal miners may not seek alternative livelihoods and view artisanal mining as a critical economic opportunity. Therefore, they must be able to work in safe and dignified conditions and earn a sustainable livelihood.
Through the creation of institutional bodies — including the Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) and the Authority for the Regulation and Control of Strategic Mineral Substances Markets (ARECOMS) — the DRC is working to towards the continuous improvement of working conditions of artisanal miners and associated social and environmental practices.
Recognising that a collective approach is instrumental in achieving these goals, the EGC is working closely with international strategic partners including GIZ, the Fair Cobalt Alliance, Cobalt for Development, Better Mining, and the Responsible Minerals Initiative.