Cobalt Used in Fuel Refinement Raises Concerns

Cobalt is used in the refinement of gasoline and diesel fuel to remove sulfur compounds, which helps reduce air pollution. A 2017 study found that at least 5% of global cobalt production is used for this purpose. This means that fuel used by various vehicles, including those made by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, VW, Volvo, Jaguar, Lexus, Toyota, and Honda, may have been refined using cobalt that could have been extracted by child laborers.

The amount of cobalt emitted by gas or diesel engines is negligible. However, alternatives are being developed, such as nickel-molybdenum catalysts, which could reduce the need for cobalt in fuel refinement. Some electric vehicle manufacturers are also exploring cobalt-free battery chemistries, which could help reduce the demand for this metal.

The use of cobalt in fuel refinement is a concern that affects vehicle owners, and efforts are being made to find alternative solutions.