Design of a Thermal Conductivity Measurement Device for 1 Kelvin Fridge; Ethical Responsibility to Small-Scale Cobalt Miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The quantum world is at the cutting edge of research. The capstone project I worked on with my group is an insert for a 1 Kelvin fridge that measures and records the thermal conductivity of materials in cryogenic temperatures. My STS research paper is about small-scale cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a means to improve the economic stability of local communities. I explored the ethical responsibilities of the tech companies that require refined cobalt for their products. The capstone project has implications in quantum computing research because the computers must be operated near Absolute Zero, where the thermal properties of many materials are unknown. Currently, cobalt is not utilized in quantum computing, but it is being researched as an option.

Several constraints had to be met for the 1 Kelvin fridge insert, including that it was vacuum sealable, obtained accurate measurements, had easily disconnectable electronics, and minimized heat distribution gradients. After completing the manufacturing of the insert, many tests were performed to make sure it met the requirements.

My STS research topic explores the possibility of ethical mining and tech companies’ responsibility to promote this goal. Artisanal, small-scale mining (ASM) is a type of mining where cobalt is extracted by hand. This method is associated with many human rights violations, including child labor. I explored a case study conducted at the Mutoshi mining site in the DRC where they formalized the ASM operation by implementing safety measures, regulations, and education. Ethical mining entails transparency in the supply chain, helping women succeed and support their families, eliminating child labor, making safety measures and protective equipment available, and government regulations to protect the miners. Tech companies who purchase cobalt for their electronics should invest in the formalization of ASM mines in order to eliminate human rights violations in their supply chains.

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Technical Advisor: Ethan Scott

STS Advisor: Pedro A. P. Francisco

Technical Team Members: Matt Crowe, Quinn Early, Jaqueline Harkins, Kyle Holden, Eric McKenna, Mehki Rippey, Madalyn Yates