Protesters Converge in Fremont Over Musk’s Political Role and Cobalt Mining Issues
Protesters gathered in Fremont, California, to criticize Elon Musk’s political role and Tesla’s alleged use of child labor in cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The demonstration drew about 75 participants, prompting police action and disrupting factory operations. Musk had previously resolved to conduct audits to ensure labor practices, yet legal troubles persist regarding child labor claims against Tesla and other tech companies.
Protesters gathered in Fremont on Saturday, expressing their concerns over Elon Musk’s political engagement and Tesla’s operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Around 75 individuals demonstrated in front of the Tesla factory, leading to a significant police presence that closed several streets. For many participants, their frustration extended beyond Musk’s role in job cuts at the Department of Government Efficiency.
Chris Christensen, a protester, highlighted the controversial mining practices in Africa, stating, “The way that organization is going into Congo and Sudan to procure coltan and produce these cars.” Allegations have long circulated regarding Tesla’s use of child labor to extract cobalt for lithium-ion batteries from the DRC, which has drawn sharp criticism from various advocacy groups.
In 2023, during a shareholder meeting, Musk committed to ensuring that Tesla’s suppliers were not engaging in child or forced labor in the mines. “I heard a question raised about cobalt mining and you know what? We will do a third-party audit,” Musk stated. He also suggested placing a webcam at the mine to monitor the situation, declaring, “If anybody sees any children, please let us know.”
However, a federal appeals court in 2024 ruled against holding Tesla and four tech giants accountable for their alleged support of child labor in cobalt mining. Sixteen plaintiffs alleged that these companies—Tesla, Alphabet, Apple, Dell Technologies, and Microsoft—were obscuring their ties to child labor, which they claimed included forcing children to work under severe conditions of hunger and poverty.
Protesters at Saturday’s demonstration asserted that their actions had an impact on Tesla’s production. One protester named Nick urged others, “On a consumer level, boycott Tesla. Stop giving them money.” Tesla has not yet responded to inquiries about the protest from NBC Bay Area.
In summary, protesters in Fremont rallied against Elon Musk’s political involvement and Tesla’s controversial operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where allegations of child labor persist. The demonstration saw participants voicing their concerns about labor conditions tied to cobalt mining, and called for boycotts against the automaker. Musk’s past commitments to transparency have not quelled public anger, particularly in light of recent legal challenges surrounding child labor accusations. Tesla’s response to the protest remains pending.
Original Source: www.nbcbayarea.com
