Cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is marred by exploitative labor conditions akin to modern-day slavery, raising significant ethical concerns in the clean energy supply chain. Chinese companies, such as Congo Dongfang Mining, a subsidiary of Huayou, dominate the cobalt supply chain, linking them to major tech firms like Apple. This dominance underscores the need for greater transparency and corporate accountability in sourcing practices.The global demand for lithium-ion batteries, essential for electric vehicles and smartphones, drives the need for cobalt, exacerbating exploitative conditions in the DRC. The complex supply chain involves multiple countries, with China processing 70-90% of battery metals, highlighting the challenges of ethical sourcing and the prioritization of cost efficiency over environmental concerns. Political instability and underinvestment in infrastructure further hinder Congo's ability to advance in the supply chain, complicating efforts to address these issues.