BMW probes Moroccan cobalt provider over air pollution claims
by AFP Employees Writers
Frankfurt, Germany (AFP) Nov 13, 2023
German carmaker BMW mentioned Monday it had opened an investigation right into a Moroccan cobalt provider after allegations that its mining operations had polluted the atmosphere.
The mine operated by Managem in Bou Azzer, southern Morocco, had launched extreme quantities of arsenic, in keeping with a joint investigation by German day by day Sueddeutsche Zeitung and two broadcasters, which was launched on the weekend.
“BMW instantly opened investigations and requested our provider Managem” for an evidence, the Munich-based automobile big mentioned in a press release.
“If any wrongdoing on the a part of the provider is definitely confirmed, the BMW Group will in fact demand instant corrective motion.”
Harmful ranges of arsenic had been detected in water samples from a valley close to the mine, a chemist was cited as saying within the media studies.
Present and former staff on the mine additionally reportedly claimed that Managem was breaching worldwide requirements for safeguarding employees.
Sueddeutsche Zeitung mentioned that Managem rejected the allegations and mentioned it adhered to excessive environmental and labour requirements.
In 2020, BMW signed a cobalt provide contract with Managem valued at 100 million euros ($107 million) that runs till 2025.
Cobalt is among the many important minerals for making electrical automobile batteries, and automakers are competing to safe provides because the shift from the combustion engine gathers tempo.
However producers are going through challenges to find suppliers that adhere to strict labour and environmental requirements.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, is the world’s largest producer of cobalt, however its mines are stricken by allegations of dire working circumstances, youngster labour and corruption.
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