Newer Tesla batteries contain Cuban cobalt, likely illegal under US sanctions

Enlarge / A creuseur, or digger, descends into a copper and cobalt mine in Kawama, Democratic Republic of Congo on June 8, 2016. Cobalt is used in the batteries for electric cars and mobile phones. Working conditions are dangerous, often with no safety equipment or structural support for the tunnels. The diggers say they are paid on average US$2-3/day. (credit: Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Panasonic, the exclusive supplier of batteries to Tesla, has decided to halt buying cobalt from a Canadian company after Reuters raised questions as to its provenance.

Cobalt is a crucial element in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries, which are found in Tesla cars, among most other consumer electronics.

The news outlet, citing anonymous sources, said that "some of the cobalt" in Tesla's batteries contain cobalt mined in Cuba by Sherritt International, based in Toronto.

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