The state of cobalt mining laws: implications for the future of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia cobalt mining prospects

Globally, there is a significant increase in the demand for cobalt, which is marked by a notable sophistication in market dynamics. Cobalt, a critical natural resource, is predominantly sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia. However, in these countries, vulnerabilities and tensions occasionally arise among various stakeholders involved in cobalt mining, including employees, government authorities, law enforcement, local communities, and civil society. These tensions often stem from differing interpretations of mining legislation and how these laws influence mining operations and safeguard the interests of each stakeholder. This situation raises pertinent questions regarding the nature of the relationship between existing mining laws and cobalt mining regulations in the DRC and Zambia, as well as the extent of stakeholder engagement in the decision-making process pertaining to cobalt mining legislation. Employing a cross-sectional probing method, this paper examines the current state of mining legislation and its implications for the future economic prospects of this natural resource, alongside the protection of stakeholder interests. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with community representatives, mine employees, and artisanal mine operators. Additionally, focus group discussions were held to gather expert opinions at both national and international levels, with the aim of obtaining insight into potential policy solutions. The findings reveal divergent perspectives among stakeholders on the legal frameworks that govern the cobalt mining sector. The thematic analysis conducted indicates a tendency towards favouritism in the implementation of legal instruments and highlights the exclusion of various stakeholders from the policy formulation process ab initio for mining laws in the DRC and Zambia. This study advocates for an inclusive overhaul of policies and a comprehensive review of guidelines to enhance governance in the cobalt mining sector.