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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


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... 


The Paradox of Progress
The Paradox of Progress
13th August 2026

(Virtual Showroom) Mining exists as a profound paradox at the heart of modern progress. While the products of the minerals industry power global economies, build cities, and fuel innovation, they... 


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... 


Creamer Media over for Africa Mining Pip 2026 report
Africa Mining Projects in Progress 2026
30th July 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Africa has a large and varied mining project pipeline, with projects at different stages of development, from early exploration and study work to financing, construction and expansion. These... 


An image of Glencore copper
Glencore reports strong first-half copper production
29th July 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

Diversified miner Glencore reported a strong production performance for the first six months of this year, with its key assets largely performing in line with expectations and previously... 


Iron-ore in rail wagons
Commodity trader IXM expands portfolio into iron-ore, sources say
29th July 2026 By: Reuters

Global commodity trader IXM is expanding its portfolio into iron-ore, three people familiar with the matter said, even as near-record-low price volatility of the steelmaking ingredient cuts... 


Glencore copper smelter in Canada
Glencore's copper output up 15%, sees strong $3.3bn marketing earnings
29th July 2026 By: Reuters

Global miner Glencore said on Wednesday first-half copper production rose 15% on higher grades at key operations, while its marketing unit is expected to generate about $3.3-billion in adjusted... 


A worker stacks copper plates
Zambia bets on Pan-African metals exchange to boost mining wealth
28th July 2026 By: Bloomberg

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema plans to spearhead the creation of a Pan-African minerals and metals exchange to help the continent capture greater benefits from its natural resources. The... 


A generic image of a cobalt processing facility
Groundwater sufficient for EVelution's cobalt processing facility needs
28th July 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

US critical minerals company EVelution Energy reports that a hydrogeological programme has confirmed the availability of sufficient groundwater resources to support the planned operating... 


Technology Minerals secures two-year extension for research permit
Technology Minerals secures two-year extension for research permit
27th July 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

London-listed Technology Minerals has secured a two-year extension of the St Patrick research permit in northwest Spain. The licence, which includes the historic Aramo mine and is held through the... 


GEOLOGICAL PROSPECTS
The Arabian-Nubian Shield is highly prospective owing to its arc-related volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits, orogenic gold, and porphyry-style mineralisation
Critical minerals drive Central, East African exploration - consultant
24th July 2026 By: Keabetswe Shilakwe

The Central African Copperbelt (CAC), spanning parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia, remains a primary focus for exploration driven by global demand for copper and cobalt,... 


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pqt: 0.122s - ct: 0.171s - 277pq - 2rq
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