Fair Cobalt Alliance (FCA)

About Fair Cobalt Alliance (FCA)

FCA is a multi-stakeholder action platform that brings together the entire cobalt mineral supply chain to provide an answer to increasing scrutiny on ASM cobalt mining and the DRC mining sector. Our purpose is to assist in the building of a DRC cobalt mining sector that is known to be a responsible partner in providing the minerals needed for a new green economy. This includes mobilising the resources of the whole supply chain to deliver technical assistance and investment to realise the vision of a formal, fair and safe ASM cobalt sector. Artisanal cobalt mining is only ever associated with negative impacts on ASM communities. Although the ASM sector is indeed in many cases characterized by poor and dangerous working conditions and child labour. FCA challenges this overly simple perspective of cobalt mining in the DRC. We know that it doesn’t have to be like this. With support and investment, sites can be improved. Also, we believe artisanal cobalt is not just a problem. It simultaneously harbours great opportunities: for the global energy transition towards cleaner electrification; but also and just as importantly as a potent driver for community development in the DRC, in Lualaba, in the households of mine workers and for their families. This vision makes the FCA more than a transient development project – but a solid collaboration that unites the supply chain and works towards a clear vision for ASM in ten years from now. The vision is not for a collection of one-off projects, unconnected, unplanned, implemented on the boundaries of a few large mining concessions. But rather, a joined-up approach that maximises positive impact in the sector. So much good happens in isolation across the DRC. Imagine if it were all coordinated! Collaboration is key to change as collaboration leads to greater impact than working alone. The impact of working together is greater than the sum of the parts.

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