Moroccan Cobalt Mine Accused of Arsenic Contamination

Managem Group denies allegations, while European automakers plan independent audits amid concerns over cobalt sourcing for electric vehicles.

German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung reported hazardous levels of arsenic in the water near the Bou Azzer cobalt mine in Morocco, which is controlled by the royal family's Managem Group.
The investigation found almost 19,000 micrograms of arsenic per liter in the water at the mine and over 400 micrograms per liter in a nearby community, 44 times the World Health Organization’s guideline value for lifelong consumption.
Managem Group denied the findings, stating their own monitoring showed no evidence of health or water quality issues and that water retention basins are being upgraded to have zero impact on the environment.
European carmakers BMW and Renault, who source cobalt from the mine for electric vehicle batteries, have expressed concern and plan to conduct independent audits.
Cobalt is a crucial commodity for electric vehicles, and sourcing has been a challenge due to reports of human rights abuses and child labor in the primary source country, Congo.