NOVA Season 10 Episode 5 The Cobalt Blues

NOVA season 10 episode 5 entitled "The Cobalt Blues" is a fascinating documentary that delves into the little-known world of cobalt mining and the huge impact it has on our daily lives. Cobalt is an element that is essential in the production of modern technology such as smartphones, laptops, and electric cars. The episode explores the risks that cobalt miners and their families face in their daily lives, as well as the environmental impact of the mining process.

The episode takes place primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the world's richest sources of cobalt. The film crew takes us through a tour of a cobalt mine, showing us the various stages of the mining process. The mining conditions are harsh, and the miners are often subjected to dangerous working conditions and exploitation by the mining companies. The film crew interviews several miners and families affected by the industry, who share their stories and experiences.

One of the most striking aspects of the episode are the stories of the children who are forced to work in cobalt mines in Congo. Shockingly, around 40,000 children work in the mines across the country, some as young as six years old. This paints a grim picture of the exploitation that goes into the production of our everyday technology. The episode also tackles the issue of corruption and how it perpetuates the dangerous exploitation of cobalt miners.

Furthermore, the show highlights the environmental damage caused by the cobalt mining industry. The mining process emits toxic substances like sulfur dioxide into the air and contaminated water that poison the soil. Agriculture and fishing in the surrounding areas are also affected. The episode attempts to highlight the various ways in which the cobalt industry's damage ventures beyond the immediate and visible human tragedy.

The documentary does not only dwell on the problems, however. It sheds light on initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people involved in the production of cobalt. It highlights organizations that work to monitor mining conditions and companies that ensure their supply chains are clean and free from human rights abuses. The documentary also emphasizes the role and responsibility of consumers in ensuring ethical production practices.

Overall, NOVA season 10 episode 5, "The Cobalt Blues", is an eye-opening documentary that exposes the dark underbelly of the modern technology industry's production. The show challenges the audience to consider where the products they consume come from and the ethical implications of their usage. The episode is a sobering reminder that modern technology comes at a cost, a price paid by those who are vulnerable to exploitation. The show is an excellent resource for those that are interested in environmentalism and human rights.