How Cobalt is Mined From Copper Nickel Byproducts to Industrial Scale …

Robert Gultig

30 December 2025

How Cobalt is Mined From Copper Nickel Byproducts to Industrial Scale …

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Written by Robert Gultig

30 December 2025

Introduction:
The global demand for cobalt, a critical element in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and electronic devices, continues to rise. With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles and the growing demand for renewable energy storage solutions, the need for cobalt extraction from copper nickel byproducts has become more important than ever. In 2025, the industrial scale extraction of cobalt remains a key focus for many countries and companies worldwide. According to recent reports, the global market for cobalt is expected to reach $10 billion by 2025.

Top 20 Items:
1. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
– DRC remains the largest producer of cobalt globally, accounting for over 60% of the world’s cobalt supply.
– The country’s cobalt production volume is estimated to reach 100,000 metric tons by 2025.

2. China
– China is a major player in the cobalt market, both as a producer and consumer.
– The country’s demand for cobalt is projected to increase by 20% by 2025.

3. Glencore
– Glencore is one of the world’s largest cobalt producers, with mining operations in the DRC.
– The company’s cobalt production is expected to grow by 15% by 2025.

4. Freeport-McMoRan
– Freeport-McMoRan is a leading copper and cobalt producer, with operations in the DRC.
– The company’s cobalt exports are forecasted to increase by 10% by 2025.

5. Russia
– Russia is a significant cobalt producer, with the country’s production expected to double by 2025.
– Russian cobalt exports are projected to grow by 25% by 2025.

6. Norilsk Nickel
– Norilsk Nickel is a key player in the Russian cobalt market, with a strong focus on sustainable mining practices.
– The company’s cobalt market share is set to increase by 5% by 2025.

7. Australia
– Australia is a major cobalt producer, with production expected to reach 10,000 metric tons by 2025.
– The country’s cobalt exports are forecasted to grow by 15% by 2025.

8. Vale
– Vale is a leading cobalt producer in Brazil, with a focus on high-quality cobalt extraction methods.
– The company’s cobalt production volume is projected to increase by 10% by 2025.

9. South Africa
– South Africa is a significant cobalt producer in the African region, with production expected to reach 5,000 metric tons by 2025.
– The country’s cobalt exports are set to grow by 10% by 2025.

10. ERG
– ERG is a major cobalt producer in Kazakhstan, with a strong presence in the global cobalt market.
– The company’s cobalt production is forecasted to grow by 8% by 2025.

11. Canada
– Canada is a key cobalt producer in North America, with production volume expected to reach 8,000 metric tons by 2025.
– The country’s cobalt exports are projected to increase by 12% by 2025.

12. BHP
– BHP is a leading cobalt producer in Chile, with a focus on sustainable cobalt mining practices.
– The company’s cobalt market share is set to grow by 7% by 2025.

13. Indonesia
– Indonesia is a growing player in the cobalt market, with production volume expected to reach 3,000 metric tons by 2025.
– The country’s cobalt exports are forecasted to increase by 20% by 2025.

14. Jinchuan Group
– Jinchuan Group is a major cobalt producer in China, with a strong focus on technological innovation in cobalt extraction.
– The company’s cobalt production is projected to grow by 12% by 2025.

15. Zambia
– Zambia is a significant cobalt producer in Africa, with production volume expected to reach 7,000 metric tons by 2025.
– The country’s cobalt exports are set to grow by 10% by 2025.

16. Sumitomo Metal Mining
– Sumitomo Metal Mining is a leading cobalt producer in Japan, with a focus on sustainable cobalt mining practices.
– The company’s cobalt market share is forecasted to increase by 6% by 2025.

17. Brazil
– Brazil is a key cobalt producer in South America, with production volume expected to reach 6,000 metric tons by 2025.
– The country’s cobalt exports are projected to grow by 14% by 2025.

18. Sherritt International
– Sherritt International is a major cobalt producer in Cuba, with a strong focus on ethical cobalt sourcing.
– The company’s cobalt production is set to grow by 9% by 2025.

19. Cuba
– Cuba is a growing player in the cobalt market, with production volume expected to reach 2,000 metric tons by 2025.
– The country’s cobalt exports are forecasted to increase by 18% by 2025.

20. Umicore
– Umicore is a leading cobalt producer in Belgium, with a focus on sustainable cobalt extraction methods.
– The company’s cobalt market share is projected to grow by 4% by 2025.

Insights:
The global cobalt market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions. With the focus on sustainable and ethical cobalt sourcing, companies are investing in innovative extraction methods to meet the growing demand. As countries and companies continue to expand their cobalt production capacities, the market is expected to reach new heights by 2025. It is crucial for stakeholders in the cobalt industry to prioritize sustainability and ethical practices to ensure the long-term viability of the market. According to forecasts, the global cobalt market is projected to grow by 15% annually, reaching $10 billion by 2025.

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Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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