What is cobalt used for? Key applications explained

Cobalt is a versatile, high-value metal that plays a crucial role in many of the technologies shaping our lives today. From your smartphone to the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, cobalt is everywhere—and its applications are only growing. But why is cobalt so important, and what exactly is it used for?

Let’s explore the fascinating world of cobalt and explore its key uses.

What is cobalt?

Cobalt is a lustrous, silver-grey metal known for its high strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Often classified as a “critical mineral,” cobalt is primarily mined as a by-product of copper and nickel extraction. Its unique properties make it indispensable for a wide range of industrial and technological applications.

One standout feature of cobalt is its critical role in rechargeable energy, making it essential to the global energy transition.

The key uses of cobalt

1. Rechargeable batteries

If you’re wondering what cobalt is used for, lithium-ion batteries likely top the list. These batteries power devices we rely on daily:

• Smartphones and laptops
• Tablets and wearables
• Electric vehicles (EVs)

Cobalt improves battery stability, energy density, and safety—qualities that are particularly critical for EVs. By ensuring thermal stability and durability, cobalt extends vehicle range and performance, helping to drive the transition to cleaner energy sources.

Recycling technologies now enable cobalt to be recovered from old batteries, reducing the need for virgin material and lowering the environmental impact of this essential resource.

Why does this matter? EV adoption is accelerating as we transition to renewable energy. In fact, cobalt is a driving force behind decarbonising transportation. Its role in the battery supply chain is essential, making it one of the world’s most in-demand minerals.

2. Aerospace and defence

Cobalt alloys are incredibly strong and resistant to extreme heat, making them indispensable for high-performance applications such as:

• Aircraft engines
• Spacecraft components
• Military-grade materials

In these environments, durability is everything. Cobalt-based superalloys retain their strength under immense pressure, ensuring reliability when failure isn’t an option. These alloys also resist oxidation at high temperatures, making them ideal for jet engines and turbines, where heat levels are extreme.

Additionally, cobalt’s ability to combine with other metals creates materials that can endure mechanical stress for extended periods, reducing maintenance requirements. This reliability is critical in the aerospace sector, where safety and longevity are non-negotiable. By enabling higher performance and efficiency, cobalt helps push the boundaries of modern engineering.

3. Magnets and electronics

Cobalt is also used to create powerful permanent magnets, which are crucial for:

• Electric motors
• Wind turbines
• Medical imaging devices (e.g., MRI machines)

These magnets help convert mechanical energy into electricity with high efficiency, enabling renewable energy technologies. Their ability to retain magnetism at high temperatures makes them critical for motors in EVs and industrial equipment.

Cobalt-based magnets also drive miniaturisation in technology, supporting compact wind turbine designs and lightweight EV motors. This innovation aligns with the push for more resource-efficient solutions.

4. Healthcare and medical devices

Cobalt isn’t just a tech hero; it’s also a lifesaver. In the healthcare sector, cobalt is used to manufacture medical implants like:

• Hip and knee replacements
• Prosthetics
• Dental implants

Its biocompatibility—meaning the body won’t reject it—makes cobalt alloys ideal for implants. Their wear resistance and strength also ensure implants last for decades, improving patients’ quality of life.

Beyond implants, cobalt-60, a radioactive isotope, is critical in healthcare. It’s used in radiotherapy to target and destroy cancer cells with precision, sparing healthy tissue. Cobalt-60 is also used to sterilise medical equipment, ensuring patient safety during surgeries and treatments. Its role in diagnostic imaging, sterilisation, and cancer therapy underpins many critical healthcare advancements.

The use of cobalt in prosthetics and implants has also led to innovations in mobility aids, empowering individuals to lead more active, independent lives. By combining durability with biocompatibility, cobalt continues to be a cornerstone of medical innovation.

5. Catalysts for the chemical industry

In chemical manufacturing, cobalt is a workhorse. It’s used as a catalyst to accelerate chemical reactions in processes such as:

• Petroleum refining
• Plastic production
• Fertiliser manufacturing

Cobalt catalysts increase efficiency while reducing waste—a perfect alignment with the principles of sustainability. In petroleum refining, they help remove impurities, leading to cleaner-burning fuels that emit fewer pollutants.

In plastic production, cobalt catalysts aid in creating more durable, lightweight materials, driving innovation in packaging and industrial applications. Fertiliser manufacturing also benefits from cobalt’s ability to improve reaction rates, which translates into more sustainable agricultural practices by reducing resource consumption.

By enabling cleaner, more efficient production methods, cobalt catalysts play a significant role in reducing industrial waste and emissions. Their versatility makes them an irreplaceable component of modern chemical processes.

Cobalt recycling: Closing the loop

One of cobalt’s most remarkable qualities is its recyclability. Much like copper, cobalt can be reused indefinitely without degrading its performance. Recycling cobalt from old batteries and electronics is an important step towards building a circular economy—one where waste is minimised and resources stay in use longer.

This also reduces dependence on primary cobalt mining, lowering the industry’s environmental footprint.

The future of cobalt

Cobalt’s importance will only grow as we shift towards greener technologies. With the push for renewable energy, EVs, and sustainable practices, cobalt will remain a linchpin in achieving global climate goals.

However, future innovation might also reduce our reliance on cobalt in some applications. Researchers are exploring cobalt-free batteries and alternative materials for certain technologies. But even with these advancements, cobalt’s unique properties mean it will remain critical to sectors like aerospace and healthcare.

Why ethical cobalt sourcing matters

Mining cobalt isn’t without challenges. Many of the world’s cobalt reserves are concentrated in regions with complex socio-political landscapes. Ethical sourcing ensures that:

• Workers are treated fairly
• Environmental impact is minimised
• Supply chains are transparent

At Coda Minerals, we’re passionate about creating a better, more sustainable future for critical minerals. Our approach prioritises environmental responsibility and ethical mining, reflecting our commitment to a greener planet.

The unsung hero of modern technology

So, what is cobalt used for? It’s hard to overstate its importance. From powering our devices to driving the energy transition, cobalt touches nearly every aspect of modern life.

As demand grows, it’s essential to ensure that cobalt is mined, processed, and recycled responsibly. With innovations in recycling and advancements in clean technology, cobalt is set to remain a cornerstone of sustainable development for decades to come.

Whether it’s helping electrify transport or enabling life-saving healthcare technologies, cobalt is truly a metal for the future.