[The London Metal Exchange] has launched an investigation into whether cobalt mined by child labour is trading on its exchange, following complaints it is allowing a Chinese company to sell untraceable supplies of the metal widely used in mobile phones and electric vehicles. Members…initially raised concerns about questionable cobalt this summer, highlighting their fears the rechargeable battery material may have come from mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo accused of employing children. Earlier this month, the LME quietly sent a directive to all suppliers asking them to detail how they guarantee “responsible sourcing” of commodities traded on the exchange...If tainted cobalt is found in its network of warehouses it could trigger a backlash from users of the exchange…The LME has broad regulatory control over metal on the exchange, but has no specific rule governing sourcing…“We have strict guidelines and criteria for brands wishing to list their products on the LME,” the exchange said. “Any evidence of sub-standard practices that fall short of our requirements would be investigated by the LME and action would be taken.”

[Mentions Apple, Tesla, Yantai Cash Industrial, Glencore and China Molybdenum]