Answer:(c) the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Explanation:
Approximately three-fourths of the world's cobalt, a crucial metal for manufacturing batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The DRC is recognized as the leading global producer of cobalt, with significant reserves and extensive mining operations in the country.
Authenticative Reference Source:
The United States Geological Survey (USGS), an authoritative source for global mineral production data, confirms that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the primary producer of cobalt worldwide. You can find more information on cobalt production in the DRC on the USGS website:
USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries: Cobalt (https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2021/mcs2021-cobalt.pdf)
It is important to note that for comprehensive preparation, it is advisable to refer to multiple authentic sources, including NCERT books, government websites, and international organization websites.
