METALS & MINERALS
Cobalt
We are one of the world’s leading producers of cobalt – a metal in rising demand thanks to its use in batteries for electric vehicles and portable electronics.
We produce cobalt mainly as a by-product of copper mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but also as a by-product of nickel mining in Australia and Canada.
We are also one of the largest recyclers and processors of cobalt-bearing materials, such as used batteries – helping secure the supply of the metal at a time of increasing demand.
Cobalt in figures - 2020
27.4 kt
of cobalt produced at our assets
Uses of cobalt
Cobalt looks set to become one of the most important commodities in delivering the electric vehicle revolution – thanks to rising demand for the metal in the batteries that power them.
It is also used as a super alloy in aircraft engines, and in cemented carbides, which are often used as hard cutting surfaces or drill bits.
Cobalt assets
Cobalt is mainly produced as a by-product at assets that produce copper or nickel.
Kamoto Copper Company
DRC
Katanga (65%) is a large-scale copper–cobalt operation in the country’s Katanga province, producing cobalt hydroxide and copper cathodes.
Mutanda Mining (copper)
DRC Mutanda is a large-scale copper and cobalt operation, also in Katanga province, producing cobalt hydroxide and copper cathodes.
View all our latest past annual, financial and sustainability publications, as well as investor presentations and events.
Cobalt Mining Prescence
Take a virtual 360° tour of our operations in the DRC to find out more about how we are responsibly sourcing cobalt.