Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives

Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Technical
  • ID: 4426
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
foreignaffairs.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
harrowing 4.50

Cobalt Red exposes the brutal exploitation and environmental degradation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, driven by the global demand for cobalt. The book highlights the human cost of the tech industry's reliance on this mineral, with miners working in hazardous conditions for minimal pay.

Cobalt Red is a harrowing account of the conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where cobalt mining is a major industry. The book details the dangerous and often deadly working conditions miners face, as well as the environmental destruction caused by mining operations. It also explores how the global demand for cobalt, driven by the tech industry, perpetuates this cycle of exploitation. The author argues that consumers and corporations must take responsibility for the human and environmental costs of their products. The book is a powerful call to action for greater transparency and ethical sourcing in the tech supply chain.


Quick quotes

    The book is a stark reminder of the human cost of our technological advancements.

    The author's firsthand accounts of the miners' plight are both heartbreaking and infuriating.

    Cobalt Red is a must-read for anyone who uses a smartphone or electric vehicle.

opendemocracy.net · Unknown · 2023-07-03
excellent 4.50

The Body Keeps the Score is a comprehensive exploration of trauma's effects on mental and physical health, blending robust studies with real-life patient stories. It offers insights into neuroscience, therapy methods, and the importance of acknowledging emotions and physical sensations.

The Body Keeps the Score is a seminal work on trauma, written by Bessel van der Kolk. It delves into the long-term effects of traumatic experiences on both mental and physical health, combining scientific research with personal patient stories. The book explores various therapies and activities that can help rewire a traumatised brain, such as EMDR, yoga, and group activities. It also discusses the importance of acknowledging emotions and physical sensations, which can be suppressed or ignored by traumatised individuals. The book is a valuable resource for anyone working with trauma survivors, offering new tools and a deeper understanding of the complexities involved.


Quick quotes

    The book takes you on van der Kolk’s own journey of learning about trauma

    The book explores the neuroscience of what happens to the brain when exposed to traumatic incidents

    This is a long, detailed, and, at times, harrowing book, but it is worth the effort

nytimes.com · Unknown · 2023-01-23
harrowing 4.50

Cobalt Red by Siddharth Kara exposes the brutal conditions of cobalt mining in the Congo, highlighting the human cost behind the technology we use daily. The book is a powerful indictment of global supply chains and corporate responsibility, leaving a lasting impact on readers.

Cobalt Red by Siddharth Kara is a harrowing account of the cobalt mining industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The book delves into the appalling working conditions, child labor, and environmental degradation that fuel the global demand for cobalt, a crucial component in modern technology. Kara's meticulous research and compelling storytelling shed light on the often-overlooked human cost behind the gadgets and devices we rely on every day. The narrative is both informative and emotionally charged, making it a must-read for anyone interested in human rights and ethical consumerism. The book's detailed accounts of the miners' struggles and the systemic issues plaguing the industry leave a profound impression, prompting readers to reflect on their own consumption habits and the broader implications of global supply chains.


Quick quotes

    The book is a powerful indictment of global supply chains and corporate responsibility.

    The narrative is both informative and emotionally charged, making it a must-read for anyone interested in human rights and ethical consumerism.

    The detailed accounts of the miners' struggles and the systemic issues plaguing the industry leave a profound impression.