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Cobalt

Cobalt is a hard, lustrous, silver-grey metallic element used primarily in the production of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, superalloys and various industrial applications. The metal is critical to the global energy transition, as it forms a key component in cathodes for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems. Cobalt is typically produced as a by-product of copper and nickel mining, with the Democratic Republic of Congo accounting for more than two-thirds of global mine production. Other significant producers include Russia, Australia, the Philippines and Canada. The element's unique properties—including high melting point, magnetic characteristics and resistance to corrosion—make it valuable in aerospace turbine engines, cutting tools, pigments and catalysts. Demand for cobalt has surged in recent years driven by the rapid expansion of electric vehicle manufacturing and renewable energy storage infrastructure. Supply chain concerns, including ethical sourcing and geopolitical concentration of production, have prompted efforts to diversify mining operations and develop recycling technologies. Cobalt prices are volatile, influenced by battery technology developments, mining output fluctuations and shifts in environmental and labour standards. The metal is traded on the London Metal Exchange and priced typically in US dollars per tonne. Major consumers include battery manufacturers in China, South Korea and Japan, alongside aerospace and industrial firms globally.

Cobalt News


The Ambatovy mine
Madagascan miner Ambatovy resumes nickel production after cyclone
Updated 5 hours ago By: Reuters

Madagascan miner Ambatovy plans to produce 2 500 metric tons of nickel in June as it is restarting production after a cyclone hit it in February, the company told Reuters on Thursday. Cobalt... 


A Jaecoo J7
South Africa proposes extending auto incentives to battery materials
9th June 2026 By: Reuters

South Africa plans to add to its automotive incentive programme minerals used in the manufacturing of electric vehicle batteries to boost local EV production and support related supply chains. The... 


The Ambatovy mine site
Sumitomo finances Ambatovy stake sale to exit project, sources say
8th June 2026 By: Reuters

Sumitomo Corp provided financing to the buyers of its 54% stake in Madagascar's Ambatovy nickel operation, smoothing its exit from the loss-making project, three sources familiar with the matter... 


A rough ruby at the Montepuez mine in Mozambique
Mozambique tightens grip on mining with 15% state stake rule, local processing
4th June 2026 By: Reuters

Mozambique's President Daniel Chapo has signed a new law requiring 15% State ownership in all mining ventures and local processing of minerals, tightening control over its resources as demand for... 


Sherritt cobalt and nickel refinery in Alberta
Sherritt appoints finance veteran interim CFO to steer through Cuba challenges
4th June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Having warned shareholders of acute financial, legal and operational challenges ahead owing to US sanctions in Cuba last month, TSX-listed Sherritt International Corporation has appointed Fitzroy... 


A shear zone at BWA Group's Aracari project, in Cameroon
Canadian, Cameroon mining investor BWA Group appoints new CEO
4th June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

UK-listed mining investment company BWA Group has promoted nonexecutive director Peter Taylor as CEO effective June 1. Taylor has been a nonexecutive director of BWA Group since August 2024,... 


Truck with copper ore in Zambia
Vedanta spin-off CopperTech yet to announce IPO value on NYSE
3rd June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

The NYSE will soon welcome its newest mining company, in integrated copper and cobalt producer CopperTech Metals, with the company having filed a registration statement with the US Securities and... 


ECA Southern Africa regional director Eunice Kamwendo
UN ECA launches large-scale project to strengthen SADC critical minerals value chains
3rd June 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has launched a €15-million regional project to strengthen environmentally and socially responsible critical minerals value chains across the Southern... 


The Nchanga copper smelter
Vedanta's Zambian unit shuts copper smelter for maintenance
2nd June 2026 By: Reuters

LUSAKA – Vedanta's Konkola Copper Mines has started a 60-day shutdown of its Nchanga smelter in Zambia for maintenance and repairs, it said on Tuesday. KCM said the repairs and maintenance are... 


Cobalt nugget
Coda Minerals raises $6.7m for copper, cobalt PFS work in Australia
1st June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

ASX-listed Coda Minerals has successfully completed a $6.7-million placement to institutional and sophisticated investors, which strengthens the company's balance sheet as it accelerates a number... 


An image of AVEVA World Milan 2026
AVEVA supports mining, metals companies to meet increasing demand
1st June 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

Mining and metals companies are working to maximise production and ensure they produce high-quality products with the lowest possible environmental impact and at competitive prices, and industrial... 


Samukelo Madlabane - Event Director – Mining VUKA Group
Africa’s mining future takes shape at DRC Mining Week 2026
29th May 2026

Few countries on earth hold the geological potential of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). From copper and cobalt to lithium, manganese, tin, and rare earths, the DRC is not only central... 


Image of raw nickel
Kabanga nickel project, Tanzania – update
29th May 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Lifezone is continuing with pre-final investment decision and early works activities at Kabanga. 


Copper cathode produced in the DRC
China’s Jinchuan says $145m missing in Congo mine probe
26th May 2026 By: Bloomberg

Jinchuan Group International Resources Co said an independent probe found that nearly $145-million was siphoned from its copper and cobalt operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo through... 


Illegal mining operations in Africa
Congo suspends mining activities in parts of South Kivu province
25th May 2026 By: Reuters

The Democratic Republic of Congo has imposed a three-month suspension of mining activities in parts of the country's South Kivu province, a mines ministry directive showed. The suspension was in... 


Sherritt's nickel and cobalt operation, in Cuba
Sherritt shares suspended amid Cuba challenges
25th May 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

The Ontario Securities Commission has issued a failure-to-file cease trade order against TSX-listed Sherritt International Corporation effective May 21, owing to the company’s failure to file its... 


Neodymium material
Ionic partners with refiner Nth Cycle to innovate, decarbonise rare earths refining
21st May 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

ASX-listed Ionic Rare Earth (IonicRE) has signed a joint development and licensing agreement with US-based Nth Cycle, a critical mineral refining technology company, to enhance end-to-end rare... 


Sherritt operation in Cuba
Sherritt warns of looming acute operational, financial and legal difficulties in Cuba
20th May 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Canadian mining company Sherritt International Corporation, which is among Cuba’s largest foreign investors, is seeking to take the necessary and most appropriate actions to definitively address... 


An ad announcing the theme of Mining Indaba 2027
Mining Indaba strengthens its focus on turning partnerships into tangible deliveries
19th May 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

As preparations begin for the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2027, the event is sharpening its focus on how partnerships across African mining translate into practical outcomes and investment... 


Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking coverage sector lead for mining and critical minerals Rishal Maharaj
Capital discipline will shape mining’s next winners
15th May 2026 By: Mariaan Webb

As mining companies benefit from strong commodity prices and robust cash flows, a familiar challenge is resurfacing: how to allocate capital at the top of the cycle. Rishal Maharaj, coverage... 


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pqt: 0.103s - ct: 0.155s - 275pq - 2rq
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