Cobalt is a hard, shiny, silver-grey metal that has a high melting point of 1,495°C and resists corrosion, symbolised as “Co“. It is mainly used in strong alloys, batteries, and pigments. This mineral is often found in minerals like cobaltite and erythrite. In fact, the name “cobalt” comes from the German word “Kobold,” which means “goblin,” referring to miners’ frustrations with ores that contained toxic arsenic. Additionally, this mineral was first isolated in the early 1800s by Swedish chemist Johan Gottlieb Gahn. Its uses have grown, especially in lithium-ion batteries. By 2025, these will drive over 40% of cobalt demand.

This mineral is mostly mined in areas rich in nickel and Copper. About 70% of the world’s “Co” comes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In the DRC, artisanal mining is common. Moreover, The DRC produces around 120,000 metric tons of cobalt each year. Other African countries that produce “Co” include Zambia, which contributes about 6,000 metric tons. Morocco, with smaller deposits; Botswana, which is increasing its production; and Madagascar, where new mining operations are starting. Furthermore, these countries are important to the global cobalt supply chain, affecting industries around the world, where Indonesia and Russia are taking the lead.