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German carmaker BMW has reached out to its local supplier, Managem, seeking clarity on operations at a Moroccan cobalt mine. This move comes after a newspaper report revealed alleged irregularities that breach labor and environmental laws.
In response to the information, BMW has raised a range of queries and requested additional details from Managem, according to Reuters. A spokesperson for BMW confirmed the company's commitment to addressing any misconduct that may be uncovered during the investigation.
Collaborative Investigation Reveals Environmental and Labor Violations
According to the BMW spokesperson, there were initial allegations against Managem during the summer. However, the documents provided to BMW appeared credible.
The spokesperson emphasized the importance of remedying any misconduct while acknowledging that Managem's environmental certificates remained up to date. Big News noted that BMW is determined to ensure that the supplier complies with international standards for labor and environmental protection.
The Sueddeutsche Zeitung, in collaboration with broadcasting companies NDR and WDR, found serious violations of environmental and labor protection regulations at mines in Morocco. Their research, to be published in the Nov 13 print edition, highlights excessive levels of arsenic found in water samples.
Furthermore, it raises concerns about Managem's alleged failure to meet international standards for worker protection and failure to address issues raised by trade unions.
Managem's Ownership and African Operations
Managem, which operates several mines in multiple African countries, is majority-owned by the Moroccan monarchy. While cobalt mining remains a critical industry for electric car batteries and other applications, concerns surrounding labor practices persist.
The largest proportion of the world's cobalt deposits are located in the Congo, where child labor is unfortunately prevalent, particularly in small mines. BMW clarified that it no longer sources cobalt from the Congo, with a significant portion of its intake now originating from Morocco, and the remainder from Australia.
The Significance of Cobalt and BMW's Commitment
Cobalt plays a vital role in the production of electric car batteries and is integral to meeting the demands of the growing electric vehicle market. As a responsible carmaker, BMW is committed to ensuring the ethical sourcing of cobalt. This commitment includes engaging with suppliers like Managem and actively investigating any allegations of irregularities or violations of labor and environmental laws.
Photo: Artiom Vallat/Unsplash
