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UPSC Prelims 2023 Question on – Cobalt Production
Q. About three-fourths of world’s cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by
✅ Correct Answer: [C] the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Explanation:
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) produces about 75% of the world’s cobalt.
- Cobalt is a critical mineral used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and electronics.
- The DRC has the largest cobalt reserves globally.
- Production comes from both artisanal mining and large-scale industrial mining.
- Despite its importance, the sector faces challenges like environmental and human rights concerns.
