Fighting mining child labor with blockchain

It seems Blockchain tech is not only being used as ledgers in cryptocurrencies, but also in fighting against child labor and human rights abuse!

Two entrepreneurs have used the blockchain to build a system that enables companies to fight against child labor, environmental devastations and funding of armed conflicts through their supply chains.

Dorae.inc is now piloting a blockchain solution, under the tagline ‘The Blockchain for Raw materials’. This solution is Ethereum-based, that can track the journey of a mineral, right from its source to the end user. The end goal is to make a more responsible network of a global supply chains for anything – from mobile phones to automobiles.

The revolution began at DR Congo in Central Africa. Congo is a famous hotspot for the mining of minerals. But the same country is also severely affected by armed conflicts, excess child labor and a low record on human rights.

This is the point where the blockchain technology can come of great use. By recording information right from the source to its transport, and finally the processing of raw materials into their finished goods (through a distributed ledger), not only can businesses and consumers know exactly where a substance comes from, but can also understand what has happened to it through that process.

This startup has begun by tracking cobalt and coltan minerals, from three mines in DR Congo. Cobalt and coltan are used in mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, etc. The startup team feels that the platform can also benefit governments too, by providing them with tools to manage data collected from their mines, eventually empowering them to fight against problems like child labor.

Mmany more interesting developments are already taking shape in this field, including projects that can trace wine, coffee beans, cotton, avocados and even fish! The most recent notable one includes Everledger’s global blockchain – powering the registry for diamonds.