10. Australia
Australia is one of the leading cobalt-producing countries in the world, with a significant portion of its cobalt production coming from large mines in Western Australia and New South Wales. Companies such as Glencore and BHP are key players in Australia’s cobalt mining industry, and the country’s cobalt production is expected to remain strong in the coming years.
9. Zambia
Zambia is another important cobalt producer, with the majority of its cobalt production coming from the Copperbelt region. Companies like Glencore and China Nonferrous Mining Corporation operate cobalt mines in Zambia, contributing significantly to the country’s cobalt output. Zambia’s cobalt production is expected to continue growing, driven by increasing demand for cobalt in electric vehicle batteries.
8. Cuba
Cuba is a significant cobalt producer, with most of its cobalt production coming from the Moa nickel and cobalt joint venture between the government-owned company, Geominera, and the Canadian mining company, Sherritt International. The Moa mine is one of the largest cobalt mines in the world and plays a crucial role in meeting global cobalt demand.
7. Brazil
Brazil is also a notable cobalt producer, with cobalt production primarily concentrated in the state of Goiás. The company, BMR Mining, operates the Montes Claros cobalt-nickel mine, which is a key contributor to Brazil’s cobalt output. With increasing interest in electric vehicles, Brazil’s cobalt production is expected to witness steady growth in the future.
6. Canada
Canada is a significant cobalt producer, with cobalt production mainly coming from mines in Ontario and Quebec. Companies like Glencore and Vale operate cobalt mines in Canada, contributing to the country’s status as a key player in the global cobalt market. Canada’s cobalt production is expected to continue to expand, supported by growing demand for cobalt in various industries.
5. Russia
Russia is a major cobalt producer, with most of its cobalt production coming from nickel mines in the Norilsk region. Companies like Norilsk Nickel dominate Russia’s cobalt mining industry, supplying cobalt to both domestic and international markets. The Russian government has been actively supporting the development of its cobalt industry, aiming to strengthen the country’s position as a key cobalt producer.
4. Madagascar
Madagascar is an emerging cobalt producer, with significant cobalt resources located in the Ambatovy nickel-cobalt mine. The Ambatovy mine is a joint venture between the Canadian company, Sherritt International, and Japanese companies, Sumitomo and Korea Resources Corporation. Madagascar’s cobalt production is set to increase further, driven by ongoing investments in the country’s cobalt mining sector.
3. Philippines
The Philippines is a significant cobalt producer, with cobalt production primarily concentrated in the Surigao del Norte region. Companies like Sumitomo Metal Mining and Nickel Asia Corporation operate cobalt mines in the Philippines, contributing to the country’s cobalt output. With the growing demand for cobalt in batteries and other applications, the Philippines’ cobalt production is expected to rise in the coming years.
2. China
China is a dominant player in the global cobalt market, with a large share of its cobalt production coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Chinese companies like Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt and China Molybdenum are key players in the DRC’s cobalt mining industry, securing a stable supply of cobalt for China’s manufacturing sector. China’s cobalt production is expected to continue growing, supported by its robust industrial infrastructure and investments in the cobalt supply chain.
1. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the world’s largest cobalt producer, accounting for a significant portion of global cobalt production. The country’s cobalt resources are primarily concentrated in the Katanga region, where major mining companies like Glencore and China Molybdenum operate cobalt mines. Despite facing challenges related to governance and environmental sustainability, the DRC’s cobalt production is projected to remain crucial for meeting the growing demand for cobalt worldwide.