Latest updates
Cobalt Institute’s Circular Economy PhD: The Geopolitics of Circularity
As the world enters a new geopolitical age, the race for critical minerals is heating up. Amidst a fracturing of the global critical mineral economy, countries are building more resilient supply chain...
News
Cobalt Institute launches Downstream Engagement Group
Cobalt Institute launches Downstream Engagement Group
Cobalt Institute – the global industry association representing cobalt producers, users, recyclers, and traders – is delighted to announc...
News
Securing the future of Europe’s critical raw materials sector
Cobalt, Nickel, Lithium and Graphite – All key raw materials for Europe’s strategic autonomy, defence sector and vital components to produce clean energy technologies. Europe urgently needs to inc...
- Cobalt Facts
- Powering Change
- Mining & Production
99%of cobalt is mined as a by-product of copper and nickel
x3cobalt demand growth by 2050, driven by cobalt use in EV batteries, aerospace, defence and consumer electronics
$1.7bnis required by 2050 to build the cobalt mines needed to meet growing demand
B12cobalt is a bio-essential element, helping humans and animals stay healthy
10all the top 10 EV models in the US and Europe rely on cobalt-containing chemistries
61%of demand growth supported by EV batteries
x4demand growth by 2050 from aviation, defence, space exploration, satellites, drones
25%of cobalt can be recycled by 2035 and 39% by 2050
76%of mined cobalt comes from DR Congo, followed by Indonesia (12%)
2%share of artisanal cobalt mining in the DR Congo in 2024
82%of global refined cobalt supply was certified against Responsible Minerals Initiative
+200ktcobalt demand in 2024 – strongest annual growth since 2021
Events
External Event
Antaike China International Nickel & Cobalt Conference
Dinah McLeod, Director General, and Tom Fairlie, Senior Sustainability and Batteries Manager, will both hold a keynote at the Antaike China International Nickel & Cobalt Conference. An important e...
External Event
RBA 2025 ANNUAL CONFERENCE: OFFICIAL PARTNER SESSION
Responsible Contracts in Practice: Strengthening Cobalt Supply Chains
Navigating evolving expectations with practical tools and shared insights
Session Description
Emerging regulations — from...
External Event
2026 Indonesia Metal Outlook Conference
Tom Fairlie, Senior Sustainability and Batteries Manager, will participate online in the Indonesia Metal Outlook Conference. The 2026 Indonesia Metal Outlook Conference emerges as the annual conferenc...
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