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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


Cobalt samples
US company EVelution Energy starts construction of solar facility that will power massive cobalt plant
2nd July 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

US critical minerals company developing the first commercial-scale, solar-powered cobalt metal and sulphate processing facility in the US, EVelution Energy, has started construction of a 28 MW... 


A generic image of a cobalt stone
Celsius Resources concludes sale of cobalt and copper asset in Namibia
30th June 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

ASX-listed Celsius Resources has concluded a binding share sale agreement with Chinese State-owned mining, smelting and processing company Chinalco Mining for the sale of its 95% interest in the... 


Polished diamonds
Congo signs diamonds deal with Swiss firm ADEX
30th June 2026 By: Reuters

The Democratic Republic of Congo has signed an agreement with Switzerland-based diamond and gemstone technology firm ADEX Platform for the marketing of Congolese diamonds, under which they will... 


A block with the symbol, atomic number and mass number of cobalt
Congo withdraws unused cobalt export quotas
30th June 2026 By: Reuters

Democratic Republic of Congo will withdraw unused cobalt export rights under first-half quotas and reassign them to a state-controlled entity, its strategic minerals regulator said, tightening... 


Fortune Metals' NICO project
Canada announces more federal investment for projects to advance critical minerals mining
29th June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Canada Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson on June 29 announced investments of up to $73-million planned for 12 projects across Canada to advance mining and the infrastructure needed... 


Sherritt's nickel/cobalt joint venture operation in Cuba
Sherritt warns of going-concern risk after Trump expands Cuba sanctions
26th June 2026 By: Bloomberg

A Canadian miner that is one of Cuba’s biggest foreign investors warned investors that its ability to carry on as a going concern is in doubt after Donald Trump expanded US sanctions on the... 


a mini excavator
Automation, efficiency drive equipment demand
26th June 2026 By: Devina Haripersad

Productivity, automation, safety and sustainability initiatives are increasingly shaping investment decisions in South Africa’s earthmoving and surface mining equipment sector, says diesel engine... 


Danakali project map in Australia
Danakali expects assays on four projects by August
25th June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

National Stock Exchange of Australia-listed Danakali has completed field reconnaissance and soil sampling across four of its projects in the Gascoyne and Murchison regions, with additional sampling... 


A copper mine in the DRC
Congo eyes co-ops, credit scheme to fund mine workers' equity stakes
24th June 2026 By: Reuters

The Democratic Republic of Congo is considering a plan to help mining employees acquire mandatory stakes in the companies they work for through worker cooperatives and company-financed credit, a... 


Nickel Industries is invested in the Huayue nickel/cobalt HPAL project, in Indonesia
Australia's Nickel Industries secures more exposure key EV battery feedstock
24th June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

ASX-listed Nickel Industries has taken another significant step in its strategy to expand its exposure to the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain, agreeing to invest $169-million for a 17.5%... 


Sherritt's nickel and cobalt refinery in Alberta
Sherritt confirms Alberta refinery is shutting down for now
23rd June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

TSX-listed nickel and cobalt producer Sherritt International Corporation has started to shut down operations at its refinery in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. The transition aligns with the... 


Copper sheets
Zambia's ZCCM says CopperTech IPO could speed up $2.7bn expansion project
19th June 2026 By: Reuters

Zambia's ZCCM Investment Holdings said on Friday that Vedanta's planned IPO of its copper unit could speed up their jointly owned company's $2.7-billion expansion project. Vedanta is preparing the... 


A copper plant in Zambia
Zambia, US expand use of $491m grant programme to critical metals infrastructure
19th June 2026 By: Reuters

Zambia said on Thursday it had agreed with US agency Millennium Challenge Corporation to expand the use of a $491-million agriculture grant programme to support key critical minerals... 


Artisanal gold mining in the DRC
Congo miners seek delay to 5% worker equity rule before July deadline, sources say
18th June 2026 By: Reuters

Miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo are seeking a delay to a government directive requiring them to grant a 5% equity stake to Congolese employees, while unions are pushing for immediate... 


Orica blasting
Australian explosives maker Orica flags Ebola, coal risks
18th June 2026 By: Reuters

Orica, the world's top supplier of commercial explosives, said on Wednesday it is facing a string of challenges around the world that could affect demand for its services, including Ebola and a... 


Lobito rolling stock
Lobito railway receives first Congo shipment after flood repairs
15th June 2026 By: Bloomberg

Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) received its first copper shipment from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since reopening a flood-damaged section of the corridor, restoring traffic on a key... 


A mine in the DRC
Critical minerals are reshaping global trade as demand surges – Unctad
12th June 2026 By: Schalk Burger

As the global economy shifts towards cleaner energy systems, electrification and digital technologies, more countries are competing for access to critical minerals. Clean technologies will account... 


Blasting at a coal mine in Russia
India explores Russian coking coal assets, more nickel supplies, sources say
12th June 2026 By: Reuters

India's State-owned Steel Authority of India (SAIL) and NMDC are exploring acquisitions of coking coal assets in Russia as New Delhi seeks to secure supplies of critical raw materials, Indian... 


DRILL CORE FROM THE ELIZABETH CREEK PROJECT
Elizabeth Creek copper/silver project, Australia – update
12th June 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Coda Minerals has indicated that Elizabeth Creek is approaching an important stage where demonstrating technical robustness, commercial viability and development readiness are becoming increasingly... 


CRITICAL INVESTMENT The project is the largest infrastructure investment by a single European company into Africa
Road to development: New Kasomeno-Mwenda infrastructure project opens access to transport routes between the Copperbelt and Tanzania
12th June 2026 By: Debbie French

GED Africa Ltd (GED Africa) is delivering an ambitious infrastructure project that will upgrade existing road networks and add 180 km of new roads to connect the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)... 


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pqt: 0.031s - ct: 0.079s - 105pq - 2rq
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