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 editors: Eskelinen, Teppo; Khan, Jawaria; Härri, Anna
Journal or series: Etikk i Praksis
ISSN: 1890-3991
eISSN: 1890-4009
Publication year: 2024
Publication date: 30/05/2024
Volume: 18
Issue number: 1
Pages range: 65-82
Publisher: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Library
Publication country: Norway
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5324/eip.v18i1.5128
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open 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.
Keywords: ethicality; global justice; responsibility (properties); responsible investing; developing countries; shareholders; cobalt; electronics; mining activity
Free keywords: ethical trade; global value chains; ethical theory; developing countries; electronics; stakeholders
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2024
Preliminary JUFO rating: 1