wǒ men我们yòng用de的kē jì科技hé和kuàng shí矿石de的gù shì故事
Every day we use phones, computers, and electric cars. These technology products need a mineral called cobalt.
Cobalt is blue and looks very special.
Most cobalt comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa.
In Congo, many people, including children, have to mine cobalt in dangerous conditions.
They mine by hand, the work is hard, and sometimes they get sick.
Mining also pollutes the air and water, which is bad for the environment.
Some companies buy this cobalt to make batteries, but sometimes they don't know where the cobalt comes from.
Now, some countries are starting to require companies to pay attention to human rights and environmental protection.
The technology products we use are actually connected to many people's lives.
We hope that in the future everyone can get these minerals in safer and more environmentally friendly ways.