Cobalt-free batteries are here, so why are we still mining the mineral?

For a long time, we’ve been hearing that cobalt is terrible. Its mining is linked to child labor, environmental damage, and loss of habitat to local wildlife — and its use is increasing.  But there are some signs for the better. We decided to take a look. The numbers are going up According to The Cobalt Institute, electric vehicles are the highest drivers of cobalt demand, consuming 59,000 tonnes, or 34% of the global total in 2021.  EVs are the biggest users of cobalt. Credit: Cobalt Institute The EV sector uses a combination of lithium-ion battery chemistries, with cobalt-containing cathodes…

This story continues at The Next Web