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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


Nickel smelting
Deeper cobalt discounts add to squeeze on Indonesian nickel producers' margins
4th September 2026 By: Reuters

Chinese makers of batteries for electric vehicles are demanding steeper discounts for cobalt, which could further cut into margins at Indonesian nickel producers squeezed by rising costs of ore and... 


Aeria view of Electra Mining's Ontario refinery
Cobalt sulphate refinery, Canada – update
4th September 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Refinery construction remains on schedule and on budget. 


Nickel Mining:  Enhancing Efficiency through Precise Measurement
Nickel Mining: Enhancing Efficiency through Precise Measurement
31st August 2026

(Virtual Showroom) Process measurement requires a scientific approach. Ambatovy Minerals, located on the island of Madagascar, encounters challenges that differ significantly from those faced by... 


Electra's cobalt sulphate refinery
Cobalt refinery builder Electra secures C$17.5m Ontario funding
27th August 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

TSX-V and Nasdaq-listed cobalt processor Electra Battery Materials has finalised definitive agreements with an agency of the Ontario government, Invest Ontario, for C$17.5-million in funding to... 


A railway track
Mota-Engil said to win deal for US-backed Congo copper railway
26th August 2026 By: Bloomberg

Mota-Engil is set to sign a 30-year concession with the Democratic Republic of Congo to operate a key copper and cobalt railway, potentially backed with up to $1-billion of US financing. The deal... 


Early works at Electra's cobalt refinery in Ontario
Electra Battery Materials secures Glencore feedstock for new Canadian cobalt refinery
21st August 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

With Nasdaq-listed Electra Battery Materials' cobalt sulphate refinery taking shape in Ontario, the company confirms it has secured cobalt hydroxide feed from diversified miner Glencore through... 


Sherritt signage
Sherritt calls latest major shareholder efforts to push for earlier shareholder meeting 'inappropriate'
19th August 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

In response to its major shareholder Kyma Capital calling for a special meeting of shareholders on September 29, TSX-listed Sherritt International Corporation says Kyma is not entitled to call a... 


Electra Battery Materials' cobalt refinery, in Ontario
Canadian cobalt refinery is taking shape, Electra Battery Materials confirms
18th August 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

TSX-V and Nasdaq-listed Electra Battery Materials Corporation says major construction packages are being executed at its cobalt sulphate refinery, in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario, which is a... 


Chilean Cobalt drill core samples
Chilean Copper confirms letter of interest for US Export-Import Bank to fund development
18th August 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

US-based Chilean Cobalt Corporation has received a new letter of interest from the Export-Import Bank of the US for a potential debt funding package of up to $375-million, as the company develops... 


UN ECA executive secretary Claver Gatete
SADC can be a testing ground for turning African minerals into development – UN ECA
14th August 2026 By: Schalk Burger

Demand for critical energy transition minerals, including cobalt, copper, graphite, lithium, manganese, nickel, platinum group metals (PGMs) and rare earth elements, could more than triple by 2030... 


The above image depicts N4mative business development and marketing consultant Sash Nair
AI platform synchronises OEM data
14th August 2026 By: Lynne Davies

AI, machine-learning and advanced analytics company, N4mative, finds that many mining companies are experiencing significant business challenges, particularly regarding master data, with many... 


Sherritt's nickel and cobalt refinery in Alberta
Sherritt posts first losses from Cuba disruptions
13th August 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Embattled nickel and cobalt refiner Sherritt International Corporation has started feeling the effects of US sanctions imposed on Cuba earlier this year and the company subsequently stopping mining... 


An image of a copper and cobalt mine in the DRC
No material impact anticipated for copper, cobalt market from DRC policy shift – BMI
12th August 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

A Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Ministerial Order banning the export of copper and cobalt concentrates, which also introduces a new tax regime, is unlikely to have a material impact on either... 


Sherritt signage
Consortium of Sherritt shareholders, potential investors suggest new recapitalisation plan
11th August 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Embattled nickel and cobalt refiner Sherritt International Corporation has confirmed receipt of an unsolicited, non-binding proposal from a consortium comprised of Kyma Capital, Glencore and a US... 


Image of nickel ore
Crawford nickel sulphide project, Canada – update
7th August 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Canada Nickel received a positive Decision Statement from the federal Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature on July 31, 2026. 


LOcation map of the Sakatti project
Sakatti copper and polymetallic project, Finland – update
7th August 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Prefeasibility studies are ongoing. 


Drill core sample from Elizabeth Creek project
Elizabeth Creek copper/silver project, Australia
7th August 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Exploration company Coda Minerals is developing the Coda project in South Australia the base case is based on a simplified development scenario, with cobalt treated as potential future upside... 


The Tenke Fungurume copper and cobalt mine
Congo bans exports of copper, cobalt concentrates, official order says
6th August 2026 By: Reuters

Congo has banned exports of copper concentrate and cobalt concentrate in a major escalation of its drive to force domestic processing and retain more value from its vast mineral resources,... 


A rail yard on the Lobito Corridor railway project
DBSA, US DFC reach $786m financial close on Lobito Corridor railway project
4th August 2026 By: Schalk Burger

Development financial institutions the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) have reached financial close on $786-million in... 


A Sherritt-owned metals refinary
Sherritt rejects bid for early board vote amid Trump ally talks
2nd August 2026 By: Reuters

Sherritt International Corp rebuffed its largest investor’s request for a special meeting to let shareholders vote on replacing its chairman and another board director, as the company faces... 


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pqt: 0.124s - ct: 0.175s - 275pq - 2rq
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