Which of the following are negative consequences of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo? Select the two correct answers.
Increased cobalt mining causes a decrease in gold mining.
Dust from cobalt mines causes lung and skin damage.
Thousands of children work in cobalt mines.
The demand for cobalt is expected to double in the next 10 years.
Cobalt is sent to processing plants overseas.
Dust from cobalt mines causes lung and skin damage.
Thousands of children work in cobalt mines.
The two correct answers are:
1. Dust from cobalt mines causes lung and skin damage.
2. Thousands of children work in cobalt mines.
To determine the correct answers, let's analyze each statement:
1. Increased cobalt mining causes a decrease in gold mining.
This statement does not directly describe a negative consequence of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It presents a relationship between increased cobalt mining and decreased gold mining, but it does not specify any negative effects.
2. Dust from cobalt mines causes lung and skin damage.
This statement clearly states a negative consequence of cobalt mining. The dust generated in the mines can cause harm to workers' lungs and skin.
3. Thousands of children work in cobalt mines.
This statement also highlights a negative consequence. The involvement of thousands of children in hazardous cobalt mining activities is a significant social issue and a violation of child labor rights.
4. The demand for cobalt is expected to double in the next 10 years.
This statement provides information about the expected increase in cobalt demand, but it does not directly identify a negative consequence of cobalt mining.
5. Cobalt is sent to processing plants overseas.
This statement does not explicitly mention any negative consequences. It indicates that cobalt is exported to processing plants in other countries, which is a regular part of the mining supply chain.
Based on the above analysis, the correct answers are:
- Dust from cobalt mines causes lung and skin damage.
- Thousands of children work in cobalt mines.