Establishing a Domestic Cobalt Supply Chain: Unlocking Challenging Feedstocks

Abstract

Cobalt as a natural resource is common in many ore deposits throughout North America, yet most of the metal is imported for use in manufacturing batteries, steel, and alloys. In part, this is due to complexity of minerals typically hosting cobalt as well as the association in these minerals with toxic metals such as arsenic and antimony. New technologies funded through U.S. and Canadian government initiatives are being developed to improve the feasibility and minimize the environmental impact of processing these ores. As a result, new processing facilities will be capable of meeting the increasing domestic demand for cobalt as use becomes more prevalent.