The Democratic Republic of Congo dominates cobalt production, accounting for a staggering 64.0 thousand metric tons, highlighting its significant contribution to global supply as of 2023. Other noteworthy producers include Russia (5.6), Australia (5.0), Canada (4.3), and Cuba (4.2), each contributing significantly less, yet vital to the mix. Over the past two years, variations in these countries’ outputs suggest uneven growth rates, with much of the world's supply remained concentrated in a few regions.
Forecasts predict sustained or increasing production levels in the DR Congo, fueled by rising global demand for cobalt-driven technologies such as electric vehicles and battery storage. However, political instability and regulatory changes remain potential disruptors. Meanwhile, diversification efforts by other nations may slightly shift the global supply landscape but are unlikely to surpass the DR Congo's dominant position in the near term.
- Continued global reliance on DR Congo for cobalt.
- Potential for increased production in other countries driven by demand for renewable energy technologies.
- Monitoring geopolitical stability and regulatory shifts is crucial for assessing future supply risks.
Top countries in Top Cobalt Producing Countries
| # | 10 Countries | Metric Tons | Last Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 DR Congo | 64,000 | 2017 | |
| 2 | 2 Russia | 5,600 | 2017 | |
| 3 | 3 Australia | 5,000 | 2017 | |
| 4 | 4 Canada | 4,300 | 2017 | |
| 5 | 5 Cuba | 4,200 | 2017 | |
| 6 | 6 Philippines | 4,000 | 2017 | |
| 7 | 7 Madagascar | 3,800 | 2017 | |
| 8 | 8 Papua New Guinea | 3,200 | 2017 | |
| 9 | 9 Zambia | 2,900 | 2017 | |
| 10 | 10 New Caledonia | 2,800 | 2017 |
