I think he is saying that if not for cobalt they would starve to death. But cobalt is poisonous and will also kill them. It is a lose-lose, only the privileged win...
But get ready for the “So what... They are inferior 3rd world trash anyhow” crowd to show up here.
Agreed. So long as people are desperate, they will allow themselves to be abused in exchange for a chance at survival. And as long as people are willing to let themselves be abused, there will be others willing to abuse them.
Figure out a way for them to make a better living outside the mines, and there will be fewer people willing to tolerate the abuse.
How? Good question. Groups like Kiva and Heifer International seem to be making some progress. Time alone will tell.