, SUS1501 Assignment 3 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester
2 2025 – DUE 29 August 2025; 100% correct solutions and
explanations.
Utilitarian Ethics and Child Labour in DRC Cobalt Mines
Introduction
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) supplies more than 70%
of the world’s cobalt, a mineral essential for producing rechargeable
batteries used in smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles
(Amnesty International, 2016). However, cobalt mining in the DRC
has been widely criticised for relying on child labour and
exploitative working conditions. Disturbing images and reports have
shown children as young as seven working in hazardous mines
without safety equipment, often for little or no pay (Siddiqui, 2020).
These practices raise profound moral and ethical dilemmas for
consumers, companies, and governments alike.
One approach to resolving this dilemma is utilitarianism—the moral
philosophy that the right action is the one that maximises happiness
and minimises suffering for the greatest number of people (Mill,
1861). This essay applies utilitarian reasoning to the problem of
child labour in cobalt mining, identifying the most ethical course of
action. It further reflects on the chosen option and engages with
alternative perspectives by commenting on other students’
arguments.
Step 2: The Utilitarian Option (60%)
Which is the most likely utilitarian option?
2 2025 – DUE 29 August 2025; 100% correct solutions and
explanations.
Utilitarian Ethics and Child Labour in DRC Cobalt Mines
Introduction
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) supplies more than 70%
of the world’s cobalt, a mineral essential for producing rechargeable
batteries used in smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles
(Amnesty International, 2016). However, cobalt mining in the DRC
has been widely criticised for relying on child labour and
exploitative working conditions. Disturbing images and reports have
shown children as young as seven working in hazardous mines
without safety equipment, often for little or no pay (Siddiqui, 2020).
These practices raise profound moral and ethical dilemmas for
consumers, companies, and governments alike.
One approach to resolving this dilemma is utilitarianism—the moral
philosophy that the right action is the one that maximises happiness
and minimises suffering for the greatest number of people (Mill,
1861). This essay applies utilitarian reasoning to the problem of
child labour in cobalt mining, identifying the most ethical course of
action. It further reflects on the chosen option and engages with
alternative perspectives by commenting on other students’
arguments.
Step 2: The Utilitarian Option (60%)
Which is the most likely utilitarian option?
