A1 Journal article (refereed)
Cobalt mining and responsibility : An analysis of the meaning of ethical products (2024)


Eskelinen, T., Khan, J., & Härri, A. (2024). Cobalt mining and responsibility : An analysis of the meaning of ethical products. Etikk i Praksis, 18(1), 65-82. https://doi.org/10.5324/eip.v18i1.5128


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editorsEskelinen, Teppo; Khan, Jawaria; Härri, Anna

Journal or seriesEtikk i Praksis

ISSN1890-3991

eISSN1890-4009

Publication year2024

Publication date30/05/2024

Volume18

Issue number1

Pages range65-82

PublisherNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Library

Publication countryNorway

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.5324/eip.v18i1.5128

Publication open accessOpenly available

Publication channel open accessOpen Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX)https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/95556


Abstract

The article discusses the meaning of “ethical” in the context of ethical goods. Terms like “ethical” or “responsible” have assumed new meanings when used to indicate the quality of a product or material. In the article, we analyse the transformed notion of “ethical”, its limits and extensions, using the case of cobalt mining and electronics as an illustrative example. As a non-substitutable material needed by the booming electronics industry and mined in horrendous conditions, the use of cobalt brings forth difficult questions about responsibility. We approach this question from the perspective of the meaning of “ethical” cobalt, and thereby ethical laptops. We use data collected in the context of a CSO project focused on “ethical laptops” and a literature review, and place this in the context of applied ethics. In conclusion, we show how the notion of “ethical products” is complicated by the various possible meanings of responsibility and difficult choices between disengagement from unethical practices and deeper engagement for changing these practices.


Keywordsethicalityglobal justiceresponsibility (properties)responsible investingdeveloping countriesshareholderscobaltelectronicsmining activity

Free keywordsethical trade; global value chains; ethical theory; developing countries; electronics; stakeholders


Contributing organizations


Ministry reportingYes

VIRTA submission year2024

Preliminary JUFO rating1


Last updated on 2025-08-02 at 20:06