What is cobalt? Everything you need to know

Cobalt is a vital mineral that has become key to modern technology and sustainability. From its crucial role in battery technology to its use in high-performance alloys, cobalt is shaping the future in ways many people might not realise.

At Coda Minerals, we’re committed to understanding and unlocking the potential of this remarkable resource through our ethical exploration and sustainable practices.

We’ll take you through everything you need to know about cobalt, from its origins to its global impact, and our efforts at the Elizabeth Creek Copper-Cobalt Project.

An introduction to cobalt

Cobalt is a metallic element (symbol Co, atomic number 27) found in the Earth’s crust. It belongs to the transition metal group on the periodic table.

The word ‘cobalt’ is derived from the German word ‘Kobald’ which means goblin or evil spirit. This name was given because, during the early smelting process, cobalt ores released poisonous arsenic trioxide gas, leading miners to believe mischievous goblins had cursed the metal or used cobalt to replace the silver metal the goblins had stolen.

Known for its bluish hue, cobalt has been used for centuries as a pigment in ceramics and glass. However, it’s far more than just a colour enhancer—cobalt’s properties make it a key player in industries ranging from renewable energy to aerospace.

Properties of cobalt

Cobalt has a range of unique properties that make it incredibly useful in industries from energy to aerospace.

Physical properties

Cobalt has several distinct physical properties:

• Atomic mass: Approximately 58.93 atomic mass units (AMU).
• Density: 8.86 g/cm³ at room temperature.
• Melting point: 1,495°C (2,723°F).
• Boiling point: 2,927°C (5,301°F).
• Appearance: A hard, brittle, lustrous, silver-grey metal.

Chemical properties

Cobalt is known for its chemical stability and magnetic properties. It reacts slowly with air and water under normal conditions, forming a protective oxide layer that resists corrosion.

Magnetic properties

Cobalt is naturally magnetic, which means it can generate and maintain a magnetic field. This quality makes it ideal for use in magnets, electronic devices, and components like wind turbine generators.

Its strong magnetic capabilities also contribute to its use in electric vehicle motors, helping to power the transition to renewable energy.

High melting point

Cobalt can withstand extremely high temperatures—its melting point is an impressive 1,495°C (2,723°F). This means that cobalt can maintain its properties at high temperatures.

This makes it perfect for demanding applications like jet engines and gas turbines, where materials are exposed to intense heat but must retain their strength and function.

Strength and wear resistance

Cobalt is a tough and highly wear-resistant metal, meaning it can withstand significant stress, pressure, and harsh environmental conditions without breaking down or degrading.

Its exceptional durability stems from its strength, ability to maintain structural integrity at high temperatures, and resistance to corrosion. These qualities make cobalt an essential component in the production of durable alloys.

In medical applications, cobalt-based alloys, such as cobalt-chromium, are commonly used for implants like hip replacements, knee joints, and dental prosthetics. These alloys provide the necessary strength and biocompatibility to perform reliably inside the human body over long periods.

In industrial settings, cobalt is a key ingredient in superalloys used in turbines, jet engines, and cutting tools. These alloys maintain their mechanical properties even in extreme heat, making them indispensable for aerospace and high-performance machinery. Additionally, cobalt’s wear resistance makes it ideal for manufacturing tools and components subjected to intense friction, such as drill bits, saws, and moulds.

This combination of toughness, heat resistance, and longevity ensures cobalt remains a critical material in industries requiring exceptional performance and reliability.

Chemical stability

Cobalt doesn’t react easily with other chemicals, even in challenging environments. This makes it highly stable and reliable, particularly in applications where materials are exposed to corrosive substances or extreme conditions, such as in the production of batteries and coatings.

Cobalt’s blend of magnetic abilities, heat resistance, durability, and chemical stability makes it a cornerstone of modern technology and industry. These properties explain why demand for cobalt continues to grow, particularly as we develop more renewable energy and high-tech solutions.

While it often flies under the radar compared to minerals like copper or gold, cobalt’s importance in our daily lives is profound.

What is cobalt used for?

Cobalt’s versatility makes it a vital material across multiple sectors. Let’s look at some of the key applications of cobalt :

Batteries and energy storage

Cobalt is a key component in lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles (EVs). The addition of cobalt enhances the energy density and lifespan of these batteries, making them safer and more efficient.

As the world transitions to renewable energy and electric transportation, demand for cobalt continues to rise. Batteries currently account for more than 50% of global cobalt consumption, a figure that’s expected to grow.

Superalloys

Cobalt-based superalloys are used in industries like aerospace and defence. These alloys retain their strength and resistance to corrosion even at extreme temperatures, making them essential for jet engines, gas turbines, and other high-performance applications.

Electronics

Cobalt is used in magnetic and electronic devices, including hard disk drives and wind turbine generators. Its ability to conduct electricity efficiently makes it an essential material for modern technology.

Healthcare

In medical devices, cobalt plays a vital role in prosthetics, dental implants, and orthopaedic devices. It’s biocompatible, meaning it works well with the human body, and its strength ensures durability.

Refining petroleum

In the petrochemical industry, cobalt is used as a catalyst to remove sulphur, nitrous oxide and other impurities from crude oil, which allows for better fuel quality and minimised greenhouse gas emissions.

Plastic production

In the plastics industry, cobalt is used as a catalyst for making PET (polyethylene terephthalate) – which is a plastic used in bottles and textiles. It is used as a stabiliser to enhance UV and heat resistance, as a pigment for blue colouration and in recycling processes to break down plastics chemically.

Where is cobalt found?

Cobalt is almost never found as a standalone metal in its natural form, instead it is typically found mixed with other minerals, most commonly those containing nickel or copper. About 70% of the world’s cobalt production comes as a by-product of mining nickel and copper.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) dominates global cobalt production, supplying nearly 70% of the world’s output.

However, the concentration of cobalt mining in the DRC has raised concerns about ethical sourcing and supply chain stability.

Ethical concerns associated with cobalt mining in DRC

The ethical concerns regarding cobalt mining in the DRC–the world’s largest cobalt producer– is well documented. Many mines in the DRC, particularly artisanal and small-scale operations have been reported for issues such as child labour, unsafe working conditions and environmental degradation. These issues have caused global outcry, and pressure on cobalt-reliant industries to ensure more responsible cobalt sourcing.

Where else is cobalt found?

While the DRC leads in cobalt production, several other countries also contribute:

• Russia: Produces cobalt primarily as a by-product of its vast nickel mining operations.
• Australia: Has significant nickel-cobalt deposits, particularly in Western Australia. There are also proven deposits found in South Australia and Queensland, making Australia one of the world’s key regions for cobalt and nickel mining.
• Cuba: Extracts cobalt from laterite deposits associated with nickel mining.
• Philippines: Also produces cobalt as a by-product of nickel mining from laterite ores.
• Canada: Known for its high-quality nickel-cobalt ores, particularly in Ontario and Quebec.
• Indonesia: Indonesia produces up to 10% of the world’s cobalt supply.

The future of cobalt: Meeting demand sustainably

As industries embrace renewable energy and electrification, the demand for cobalt is expected to soar. However, the industry faces significant challenges:

Ethical sourcing

Cobalt mining in some regions is linked to human rights abuses and environmental degradation, particularly in the DRC. Ethical sourcing initiatives, like those we prioritise at Coda Minerals, are absolutely critical for building a sustainable future for both people and the planet.

Recycling and the circular economy

Cobalt is a key part of the circular economy because, much like copper,  it can be recycled indefinitely without losing its essential properties. Recycling cobalt from used batteries and electronic waste reduces the need for new mining, minimising environmental impact.

Innovations in mining

Modern mining practices aim to balance resource extraction with environmental stewardship. At Coda Minerals, we embrace advanced exploration techniques and sustainable methodologies to minimise our footprint while maximising value.

Coda Minerals’ commitment to ethical cobalt exploration

Our Elizabeth Creek Copper-Cobalt Project, located in South Australia, is a direct example in action of our dedication to ethical and sustainable mineral development.

Why South Australia?

South Australia is uniquely positioned to lead the global shift towards greener mining. With the highest percentage of renewable energy in its grid, the region offers an unparalleled opportunity to produce critical minerals responsibly.

At Elizabeth Creek, we’re working towards setting a new standard for sustainable cobalt and copper exploration.

Elizabeth Creek

Elizabeth Creek spans 701 square kilometres in the Olympic Copper Province, one of the world’s premier mining districts. The project is home to significant copper and cobalt resources, including deposits at Emmie Bluff, MG14, and Windabout.

Cobalt here occurs alongside copper, aligning with our vision to supply minerals essential for renewable energy and electrification.

Elizabeth Creek Copper-Cobalt Project

Global demand for cobalt

As mentioned, the demand for cobalt is experiencing significant growth, and this is occurring globally. This is primarily driven by cobalt’s role in rechargeable batteries for EVs and portable electronics. In 2023 alone, for demand for refined cobalt was close to 200 metric kilo tons which is an 8% increase from 2022.

Demand in the United States

The U.S. primarily relies on imports and recycled materials for its cobalt supply.

The U.S. faces challenges due to its dependence on foreign cobalt sources, particularly from regions with complex geopolitical landscapes. This reliance has prompted initiatives to develop domestic cobalt resources and recycling capabilities to ensure a stable and sustainable supply chain.

Why is cobalt so important for a sustainable future?

Cobalt is more than a mineral; it’s central to the green energy revolution. Here’s why it matters:

Enabling renewable energy

From EV batteries to grid-scale energy storage, cobalt facilitates the transition to clean energy. Without it, achieving net-zero emissions targets would be significantly harder.

Supporting the circular economy

Cobalt’s durability and recyclability align perfectly with circular economy principles. Keeping cobalt in use for as long as possible reduces waste and conserves resources.

Empowering technological advancements

The durability and efficiency cobalt brings to electronics and superalloys support technological innovation, driving progress across industries.

Are there challenges in the cobalt industry?

Despite its potential, the cobalt industry faces hurdles that need addressing:

Ethical and environmental concerns

Cobalt mining in some regions is associated with unsafe labour practices, child labour, and environmental damage. These issues highlight the urgent need for ethical sourcing standards.

Supply chain vulnerabilities

Due to the majority of cobalt coming from the DRC, geopolitical instability poses risks to supply chains. Diversifying production and investing in recycling can help mitigate these risks.

Cost and availability

Cobalt’s high cost and scarcity encourage research into alternatives, but viable substitutes for some applications remain limited.

Scientists and engineers are exploring ways to reduce or eliminate cobalt in applications like lithium-ion batteries, using materials such as nickel, manganese, or iron.

However, cobalt’s unique properties—such as its thermal stability and ability to enhance battery safety and lifespan—make it difficult to replace entirely. In many high-performance applications, such as aerospace superalloys or medical implants, substitutes are either less effective or not yet commercially viable.

This ongoing reliance on cobalt reinforces the importance of sustainable and ethical sourcing to meet growing future needs.

Coda Minerals’ vision: ethical and sustainable cobalt

At Coda Minerals, we understand the challenges and opportunities that come with mining cobalt. Through the Elizabeth Creek Copper-Cobalt Project, we aim to demonstrate that responsible mining is not only possible but also essential.

Key sustainability practices at Elizabeth Creek

• Renewable energy integration: Leveraging South Australia’s renewable-rich energy grid.
• Water management: Our team prioritises efficient and responsible water use.
• Community engagement: Building strong, transparent relationships with local communities.
• Innovation: Employing cutting-edge exploration techniques to reduce environmental impact.

So what’s the future of cobalt?

Cobalt is a critical mineral driving the transition to a sustainable, electrified future. Its indispensable role in batteries, renewable energy, and advanced technologies highlights its importance in meeting global sustainability goals.

However, this growing reliance on cobalt brings significant challenges, including ethical sourcing, expense, environmental impact, and supply chain stability.

As the world increasingly prioritises sustainability, cobalt’s importance will only grow. By combining innovative practices with a commitment to ethical resource management, we aim to lead the way in providing the materials needed for a brighter, greener future.