It is obtained as a by-product of nickel and copper mining activities. Cobaltite, erythrite, glaucodot and skutterudite are the main ores of cobalt. Cobalt is also found in iron-nickel meteorites.
The copper belt in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia yields most of the cobalt metal mined worldwide.
The World Map of Cobalt Producing Countries shows the list of the major countries that produce large quantities of cobalt. As the data in the map shows, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the largest cobalt producing country; in 2010, the country produced 45000 metric tonnes of cobalt.
Zambia is the second-largest cobalt producing nation followed by China, Russia, Australia, Cuba, Canada, New Caledonia, Morocco, and Brazil.
The Mukondo Mountain project in Katanga is believed to be the richest cobalt reserve in the world. Also there are about one million tons of cobalt in the United States.
Cobalt is one of the most vital elements that is very important to human life and health.
COUNTRY | PRODUCTION IN METRIC TONNES |
Congo (Kinshasa) | 45000 |
Zambia | 11000 |
China | 6200 |
Russia | 6100 |
Australia | 4600 |
Cuba | 3500 |
Canada | 2500 |
New Caledonia | 1700 |
Morocco | 1500 |
Brazil | 1500 |
Other countries | 4700 |
World total(rounded) | 88000 |
Last updated On : December 20, 2012
World Mineral Producer |