Panel Discussion: Sustainably Sourcing Critical Minerals: A Case Study on DR Congo
Panel Description: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the world’s largest supplier of cobalt, copper, and coltan—key materials that power modern technologies. However, the mining industry in the DRC is fraught with challenges, including environmental degradation, human rights violations, and geopolitical tensions. As engineers and scientists, we must ask ourselves: How can we ensure ethical sourcing practices throughout the entire value chain? With over six million lives lost since 1996 due to conflict linked to mineral resources, what steps can be taken to prevent further exploitation? How can we responsibly select and utilize materials in a way that promotes sustainability and global equity? This discussion will explore the intersection of technology, ethics, and sustainability, offering insights into how we can drive responsible innovation in the sourcing of critical minerals.
Panelists
- Dr. Harry Verhoeven -- Geopolitics and Historian, Author of Why Comrades Go to War
- Maurice Carney -- Co-founder and Executive Director, Friends of the Congo
- Patrick Zoé Cito Namulisa -- PhD Candidate, Environmental Researcher Congo, Nature-based Climate Solutions Expert
