IEA Warns Against Cobalt Dependence on Congo

[Marina Schwarz + 1,576]

The IEA is very, very worried that Congo supplies 60% of the world's cobalt. It's also very, very worried that China has 90% of cobalt processing capacity. Since we can't move reserves, what's the point in worrying, I wonder. Also, I hear cobalt mines are being started outside of Congo, too, for whatever it's worth.

[Guillaume Albasini + 851]

There is no such think like a pure cobalt mine (with just one exception). Cobalt is usually a byproduct of copper or nickel mining. So cobalt output is also somewhat dependent of copper and nickel demand. 

Edited August 7, 2018 by Guillaume Albasini

[Marina Schwarz + 1,576]

I remember reading about Congoans digging in their yards and finding cobalt. Artisan mines they call them and they're superdangerous, apparently, as they dig without any protective clothing or equipment.