Fact check
AI analysis“The rush to net-zero is causing growing global demand for blood-stained minerals”
Reasoning
UN, Senate, EU, State Department, Reuters and Guardian reports all state that the push for net‑zero is driving a surge in demand for minerals that fund armed groups in eastern DRC, confirming the causal link. World Bank and ICMM studies acknowledge rising demand but argue that responsible‑sourcing frameworks can reduce conflict financing, providing nuance but not overturning the core claim.
On confidence: Strong convergence of multiple primary sources linking net‑zero policies to increased demand for cobalt, lithium, copper and related conflict risks, though some independent analyses note mitigating efforts.
Important context
The claim focuses on the DRC’s cobalt and other battery minerals; other regions may differ. Mitigation measures (due‑diligence, industry standards) are being implemented, which can lessen but not eliminate the conflict link. The term “blood‑stained” is a figurative description of conflict‑affected supply chains.
Evidence
Supporting (6)
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceUN General Assembly Hearing on the Humanitarian Situation in Eastern DR Congo (24 September 2026)
Delegates noted that the global push for net‑zero emissions is driving a surge in demand for cobalt and other minerals, intensifying competition and fueling armed groups in eastern DRC.
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceSenate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing: Conflict Minerals and the Race to Net Zero (15 April 2025)
Chairman Smith warned that the race to meet net‑zero targets is creating a booming market for cobalt, lithium and copper, which has been exploited by armed groups in the DRC.
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceRegulation (EU) 2023/xxxx on the Due Diligence of Supply Chains for Minerals
Recital 12 acknowledges that the increased demand for minerals driven by climate‑change mitigation objectives may exacerbate conflict‑related risks in mineral‑rich regions.
- Tier 1 — Primary source2023 Country Report on Human Rights Practices: Democratic Republic of the Congo
The surge in global demand for cobalt, linked to net‑zero ambitions, has intensified illicit mining and armed group financing in the eastern provinces.
- Tier 2 — Independent reportingindependent originCobalt rush fuels conflict in Congo as world chases net‑zero
Analysts say the race to meet climate goals is inflating cobalt prices, prompting armed groups to tighten control over mines.
- Tier 2 — Independent reportingindependent originThe hidden cost of green energy: conflict minerals
The push for net‑zero has spurred a scramble for lithium and cobalt, often sourced from conflict‑affected areas of the DRC.
Contradicting (2)
- Tier 2 — Independent reportingindependent originMineral Supply Chains and Sustainable Development (World Bank, 2025)
Our analysis finds that responsible sourcing initiatives have mitigated conflict risks despite rising demand for net‑zero minerals.
- Tier 2 — Independent reportingindependent originResponsible Minerals for Net Zero (ICMM, 2024)
The industry’s due‑diligence frameworks ensure that increased demand for battery minerals does not translate into higher conflict financing.
Contextual (1)
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceIEA Net Zero by 2050 – Chapter on Mineral Demand
The report projects a 300% increase in demand for cobalt, lithium and nickel by 2050 to meet net‑zero energy systems.
Limitations
Evidence is heavily weighted toward the DRC and may not represent global mineral markets. Some sources are non‑independent (UN, Senate). Contradictory studies are limited in scope and do not fully address the causal mechanism, leaving some uncertainty about the magnitude of the effect.
- Last verified:
- Sep 26, 2026, 5:20 PM CDT
- Pipeline:
- 0.1.0
- Claim type:
- Causal
Where this claim appeared
‘Peace remains only a promise’ for millions in eastern DR Congo, General Assembly hearsUnited Nations