Cobalt, a vital component of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, plays an integral role in our modern society. It’s used extensively in smartphones, electric vehicles, and myriad other electronics. The substantial increase in demand for electric vehicles and rechargeable batteries has escalated the importance of cobalt production globally. This necessity has placed a spotlight on the top cobalt producing countries worldwide. Let’s delve into the ten significant global players in the cobalt producer arena.
1. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Standing at the pinnacle of cobalt production, DRC generated roughly 100,000 metric tons in 2020, accounting for more than 60% of global production. The country’s flag-bearing cobalt producer is Glencore’s Mutanda mine, alongside other notable players including China Molybdenum.
2. Russia: With an astonishing advancement from being the seventh largest in 2016 to the second largest in 2020, Russia produced approximately 6,100 metric tons of cobalt. The Polar Division of Nornickel plays a considerable role in Russia’s cobalt production.
3. Australia: Holding the third position, Australia saw a surge in cobalt production, generating around 5,100 metric tons in 2020. Contributing significantly is Queensland’s Mount Isa mining complex and the Ravensthorpe nickel-cobalt project in Western Australia.
4. Cuba: Producing approximately 3,500 metric tons of cobalt in 2020, Cuba secures the fourth position. The country’s largest producer is Geominera, known for operating the Moa nickel-cobalt mine in partnership with Canada’s Sherritt International.
5. Philippines: Providing 2,600 metric tons of cobalt, the Philippines stands fifth among the largest cobalt producers. The Coral Bay and Taganito high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) projects held jointly with Sumitomo Metal Mining are significant contributors to the country’s cobalt production.
6. New Caledonia: Ranking sixth, New Caledonia contributed approximately 2,300 metric tons of cobalt in 2020. The significant producers are Societe Le Nickel and Vale’s Goro nickel-cobalt operation, which was recently taken over by New Century Resources.
7. Madagascar: With Ambatovy, one of the world’s largest laterite mines in operation, Madagascar produced 2,200 metric tons of cobalt in 2020, securing the seventh spot among global leaders.
8. Canada: As the only North American country in the top ten, Canada produced about 2,100 metric tons of cobalt in 2020. Its key cobalt assets are the Ontario-based Cobalt Silver District and the Voisey Bay Mine in Labrador.
9. Papua New Guinea (PNG): Contributing approximately 2,000 metric tons of cobalt in 2020, PNG secured the ninth position. The Ramu nickel-cobalt mine operated by the Metallurgical Corporation of China is a key player in PNG’s cobalt production.
10. Zambia: Rounding out the top ten, Zambia contributed around 1,100 metric tons of cobalt in 2020. Most of Zambia’s cobalt production is a byproduct of the country’s copper mining operations, with CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines being the primary producer.
In conclusion, cobalt is an essential element for the modern world, with its largest players widely dispersed across the globe. As the demand for renewable energy solutions grows, these top-producing countries will undoubtedly continue to play a pivotal role in meeting the global cobalt requirement.