Securing Cobalt for America’s Clean Energy Future: Exploring a Potential U.S.–DRC Partnership for Sustainable Supply Chains

Emmanuel Muzyumba (), Joy Mayunga () and Olivier-Franc Kisukulu ()

Journal of Artificial Intelligence General science (JAIGS) ISSN:3006-4023, 2025, vol. 8, issue 02, 319-347

Abstract: In order to secure cobalt for the clean energy transition, this paper evaluates a strategic U.S.-DRC partnership. It examines the geology of cobalt, the dynamics of production, and the concentration in relation to market risk periods. It calculates the effects of both industrial and artisanal mining on the environment and society. It models how resilient the supply chain would be in different policy situations. It looks at the investment framework, commercial agreements, and statutory laws that connect DRC development goals with U.S. demand. It contrasts models for accounting for community benefits, traceability technologies, and certification programs. It calculates the risks to human rights and greenhouse gas emissions that come with sourcing decisions. It is providing a model for a phased partnership. The first phase focuses on financing, mine formalization, purchasing transparency, and the ability to assist local governance. Phase two entails sharing technology transfer and reducing downstream processing. The method discusses supply security in terms of measurable social results. Trade data, satellite observations, research, and recent policy changes serve as the foundation for this paper. For investors, civil society, and policymakers, the paper offers useful policy tools. It provides a wide range of metrics to gauge growth and reduce supply shock vulnerability. The results are intended to direct the creation of policies that will guarantee essential raw materials without endangering ecosystems and communities.

Keywords: Cobalt Supply Chain; Democratic Republic Of Congo; Critical Minerals Policy; Sustainable Mining; Supply Chain Traceability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://newjaigs.com/index.php/JAIGS/article/view/425 (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:das:njaigs:v:8:y:2025:i:02:p:319-347:id:425

Access Statistics for this article

Journal of Artificial Intelligence General science (JAIGS) ISSN:3006-4023 is currently edited by Justyna Żywiołek

More articles in Journal of Artificial Intelligence General science (JAIGS) ISSN:3006-4023 from Open Knowledge
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Open Knowledge ().