Apple CEO Tim Cook joined Dua Lipa for an exclusive podcast interview on her show, “Dua Lipa: At Your Service.” While the discussion covered a broad spectrum of topics, a standout moment occurred when Lipa became the first to directly inquire about the use of child labour in cobalt mining for her new iPhone 15. Cook responded affirmatively but not without some scepticism.
Lipa expressed concerns, referencing distressing articles about children mining cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She sought assurance regarding her new iPhone 15, asking Cook, “Can you guarantee that the cobalt in that phone has not been mined using child labour in the DRC?“
Cook’s response was affirmative, stating, “Yes, we can.” He outlined Apple’s overarching goal to eventually rely entirely on recycled materials for product manufacturing. Cook highlighted the company’s current achievement of using 100% recycled cobalt, gold, tin, tungsten, and other rare-earth materials in their watch.
However, not everyone embraced Cook’s answer. Various Redditors engaged in discussions, expressing scepticism about the interview’s authenticity and suggesting it might be a calculated move for positive Apple PR. One commenter questioned the assurance, stating, “I’m glad they’re now starting to use 100% recycled mined materials but I’m sceptical of him saying that the products that do need those materials are not mined by children.“
Another commenter provided an alternative perspective, suggesting that Apple doesn’t directly manage the mines and redirects responsibility to mining company CEOs.
Apple’s history with child labour issues resurfaced in the discussions. Reports in December 2020 revealed a partner, Suyin Electronics, consistently employing child labour for Apple product production. Apple was reportedly aware of this practice in 2013 but continued working with the company for three more years.
In December 2019, Apple, along with other tech giants, faced accusations of complicity in the deaths of children working in mines in the DRC. The lawsuit implicated companies like Google, Tesla, Alphabet, Dell, and Microsoft, alleging their involvement in the cruel use of young children for cobalt mining.
Lipa’s specific question focused on her new iPhone, prompting Cook’s assurance. The nearly 45-minute conversation covered a range of topics, including Cook’s upbringing in Alabama, the enduring influence of Steve Jobs on Apple, and more. The full interview is available for viewing, offering insights into Cook’s perspectives and Apple’s approach to various issues.
