Volvo to use blockchain in cobalt tracking
The Volvo automobile manufacturer has devised a method of ensuring that the resources it uses are sourced in an ethical manner.
The Swedish automobile company Volvo launched its first fully electric model in October last year. Electric cars are a eco-friendly alternative to fight the pollution and contamination that vehicles that run on fuel produce. However, manufacturing them still brings up some topics that are up to debate.
The companies try to tackle one of the main issues. Therefore, is how cobalt obtain an essential part in lithium-ion batteries. The Democratic Republic of Congo use over half of the amount worldwide. Also, independent miners mine around 15-20% of the cobalt that comes from this country. They do the unknown conditions and it’s not clear if they make it in a responsible way or in a safe environment.
Senior vice president of procurement, Martina Buchhauser
Blockchain technology makes it possible to create a totally reliable and immutable data network. Thus, containing all the information needed to track the material all the way back to its extraction. “With blockchain technology, we can take the next step towards ensuring full traceability of our supply chain and minimizing any related risks, in close collaboration with our suppliers”, said senior vice president of procurement at Volvo Cars, Martina Buchhauser.
“By working with our suppliers to make sure that the raw materials in our batteries, including minerals like cobalt, come from ethical supply chains, we’re able to extend our promise of safety to drivers, miners, and the environment”, said Martina Buchhauser.
Moreover, the technology used will be operated by Circulor and Oracle. Both CATL and LG Chem – Volvo’s battery suppliers – have agreed on being part of this project in order to implement cobalt traceability as soon as possible and combat the illicit practices on the extraction of cobalt.
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