Britishvolt joins the Fair Cobalt Alliance to help develop responsible, fair and transparent cobalt supply in the DRC

Today, Britishvolt, the UK’s foremost investor in battery cell technologies and associated R&D, has joined the Fair Cobalt Alliance (FCA).

The move is evidence of Britishvolt’s drive to be a flagbearer for equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging across its supply chain.

Britishvolt joins brands from across the cobalt value chain including Tesla, Glencore, and Fairphone alongside NGOs and academic organisations at the FCA who have committed to support the legitimisation and professionalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining in the DRC.

Dr Assheton Carter, FCA’s Executive Director, comments,

“We welcome Britishvolt to the FCA. The business complements our growing membership and represents the breadth of stakeholders in the cobalt value chain that we are able to bring together.

“It is a bold step for a company starting out to make this commitment – we look forward to seeing how Britishvolt’s role in the FCA helps to shape its CSR strategy now and in the future.”

Britishvolt believes that collective action and collaboration is essential for a successful energy transition.

Craig Woodburn, Head of ESG at Britishvolt, adds:

“This is a great initiative to be part of. Britishvolt has a very clear and defined ambition to create one of the best-in-class ESG frameworks. By joining the FCA we are aiming to reduce environmental impact, improve working conditions for miners and support action that redirect children to school and education in the Democratic Republic of Congo. BV believes that it’s the responsibility of the entire battery industry, including manufacturers, to ensure that everyone involved is treated with respect and given the right opportunities. Collaboration is of vital importance to ensure success for all.”

The FCA invites organisations across the cobalt supply chain to join its founding partners to invest in mine improvement, the eradication of child labour and the economic diversification in mining communities.

To find out how you can get involved, contact [email protected]