In Which Country Is Cobalt Extracted? Global Map of Producers

Global Ranking of Cobalt-Producing Countries

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Cobalt is mainly extracted in a handful of countries, with an impressive concentration in just one of them. Here is how global production is distributed:

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The Democratic Republic of Congo: Global Giant of Cobalt Extraction

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The DRC overwhelmingly dominates the market with nearly 70% of global cobalt production. This leadership is explained by the presence of exceptional deposits in the Katanga region, also known as the “Copperbelt.” Cobalt is often extracted there as a by-product of copper mining.

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The main extraction areas are around the cities of Kolwezi, Likasi, and Lubumbashi. Mining is carried out both by:

• International industrial companies (Glencore, China Molybdenum, Eurasian Resources Group)
• Artisanal operations, representing 15–30% of Congolese production

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This concentration of production in a single country creates a global dependency that raises questions about security, supply, and geopolitical stability.

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Other Important Cobalt-Producing Countries

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Although far behind the DRC, several countries contribute significantly to the global supply of cobalt:

• Australia mainly extracts cobalt in Western Australia and Queensland. Nickel mines produce cobalt as a by-product.
• Russia operates deposits in Siberia, especially in Norilsk, where mining giant Norilsk Nickel extracts cobalt alongside nickel.
• Cuba has large nickel-cobalt laterite reserves, especially in Moa, exploited in partnership with Canadian companies.
• Canada produces cobalt mostly in Ontario and Manitoba, usually as a by-product of nickel and copper mining.
• The Philippines has seen production increase in recent years, mainly in nickel mines where cobalt is recovered as a by-product.

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The Special Case of New Caledonia

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New Caledonia, a French territory in the Pacific, holds about 8–10% of the world’s cobalt reserves, mainly in nickel laterite form. It is the only French territory where cobalt is extracted. However, production remains modest compared to the DRC, with cobalt extracted as a by-product of the nickel industry.

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Global Distribution of Cobalt Reserves

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Proven global reserves of cobalt are estimated at about 7 million tonnes. Their distribution does not exactly match current production:

• DRC: 3.6 million tonnes (51%)
• Australia: 1.4 million tonnes (20%)
• Cuba: 500,000 tonnes (7%)
• Philippines: 260,000 tonnes (4%)
• Russia: 250,000 tonnes (3.5%)
• Canada: 220,000 tonnes (3%)
• Others (incl. New Caledonia): 800,000 tonnes (11.5%)

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Submarine Resources: The Future of Cobalt Extraction?

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Beyond land-based deposits, massive cobalt resources exist as polymetallic nodules on the ocean floor. These concretions, rich in manganese, nickel, copper, and cobalt, are found mainly in:

• The Clarion-Clipperton Zone (North Pacific), which could contain more cobalt than all land reserves combined. However, deep-sea extraction poses major technological and environmental challenges, delaying its large-scale commercial exploitation.

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Social and Environmental Issues of Cobalt Extraction

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Cobalt mining raises numerous concerns, particularly in the DRC where most of global production is concentrated.

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Working Conditions in Artisanal Mines

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In the DRC, artisanal cobalt mining often involves dangerous working conditions:

• Child labor: Despite eradication efforts, an estimated 40,000 children still work in artisanal mines
• Lack of protective equipment: Miners usually work without helmets, gloves, or respiratory protection
• Collapse risks: Hand-dug tunnels are rarely reinforced
• Exposure to toxins: Direct contact with potentially harmful substances

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These problems have drawn international attention, pushing electronics and battery manufacturers to improve supply chain traceability.

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Environmental Impact of Cobalt Mines

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Cobalt extraction generates several environmental impacts:

• Deforestation and soil degradation
• Water pollution from mining waste
• Heavy metal contamination (not limited to cobalt)
• CO2 emissions linked to mining operations

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Initiatives for more responsible cobalt mining are emerging, such as the Fair Cobalt Alliance and the Cobalt Industry Responsible Assessment Framework (CIRAF).

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Is Cobalt Extracted in Metropolitan France?

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No, cobalt is not extracted in metropolitan France. The territory has no economically viable deposits. The only French production comes from New Caledonia, as mentioned earlier.

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Historically, small deposits were exploited in France, notably in Saleix (Ariège) in the 19th century, but these operations ceased long ago due to lack of profitability.

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Who Consumes the Cobalt Extracted Worldwide?

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Global cobalt demand is mainly driven by the following sectors:

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China is the world’s leading cobalt refiner, importing most of the raw cobalt from the DRC to process it into its battery production chain. This dominant position raises strategic concerns for other industrial economies.

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Toward a More Sustainable Future: Cobalt Alternatives and Recycling

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Given supply challenges and ethical concerns, several avenues are being explored:

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Cobalt Recycling

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Recycling of cobalt-containing batteries is growing quickly. Currently, less than 10% of cobalt is recycled, but this should increase significantly with:

• End-of-life of the first generations of electric vehicles
• Improved recycling technologies
• Stronger regulations on producer responsibility

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Reducing Cobalt in Batteries

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Battery manufacturers are working to reduce dependence on cobalt:

• NMC batteries (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt): Moving toward lower cobalt formulations (NMC 811 with 10% cobalt vs. 33% in early generations)
• Tesla and others partly adopting LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) chemistries without cobalt for entry-level segments

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How to Know Where the Cobalt in Your Phone Comes From?

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Tracing cobalt origins in a finished product remains complex, but progress is being made:

• Check manufacturers’ CSR reports, which sometimes detail sourcing policies
• Look for certifications such as RMI (Responsible Minerals Initiative) or RCI (Responsible Cobalt Initiative)
• Use traceability tools developed by NGOs or companies

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Several manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and BMW now commit to traceability initiatives, sometimes using blockchain technology.

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The Future of Cobalt Extraction

The answer to the question “In which country is cobalt extracted” is clear: mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with significant but much smaller contributions from countries like Australia, Russia, or Cuba.

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However, this geography of extraction could evolve in the future under the influence of several factors:

• Development of new deposits in countries like Indonesia or Morocco
• Potential exploitation of submarine resources
• Evolution of battery technologies requiring less cobalt
• Improved recycling rates

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For now, understanding where cobalt comes from remains essential for making informed consumption choices and supporting initiatives that aim to make this supply chain fairer and more sustainable.

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