MARCH 2025
Cobalt Institute
Global trade association promoting the sustainable and responsible use of cobalt in all forms
Director General Dinah McLeod reflects on the DRC’s cobalt export ban, previews the upcoming Q1 2025 Market Report, and looks ahead to Cobalt Congress 2025
Dear colleagues,
At the end of February, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) - the world’s largest producer of cobalt - announced a four-month suspension on cobalt exports due to the low-price environment earlier this year. This decision by the DRC’s Authority for the Regulation and Control of Strategic Mineral Substances' Markets (ARECOMS) underscores the volatility in global cobalt markets and raises important questions about supply chain resilience and future pricing trends.
To provide deeper insights into the evolving cobalt landscape, the Cobalt Institute’s Q1 2025 Market Report will be published in mid-April. This analysis will examine the impact of the DRC’s export ban, shifting market dynamics and the broader implications for the cobalt industry.
Looking ahead, we are preparing for Cobalt Congress 2025, where we will release the 2024 Cobalt Market Report and bring together industry leaders to discuss the future of cobalt in the energy transition. With just a few weeks to go until we meet in Singapore, take advantage of our extended early bird rates (until midnight 31st March) and register today.
Yours,
Dinah
Follow Cobalt Institute on LinkedIn
Connect with Dinah McLeod on LinkedIn
COBALT CONGRESS
Join the premier global forum for the cobalt and critical minerals value chain. Network with industry leaders, investors and policymakers as we explore the latest market trends, regulatory developments and sustainability strategies shaping the future of cobalt.
Sessions and speakers include:
Keynote from Septian Hario Seto, Member and Executive Secretary of Indonesia’s National Economic Council
Fireside Chat with Gracelin Baskaran, Director, CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program
Panels on state of the cobalt market; the DRC; Indonesia’s cobalt industry; an expert focus on China; supporting resilient cobalt supply chains; and cobalt in Asia Pacific
Cobalt Market Report 2024 launch – exclusive insights into supply, demand and pricing trends
Register today to take advantage of extended early bird rates (until midnight 31st March)!
MORE EVENTS
New Energy Industry Chain Expo – CLNB 2025
16-18 April, Suzhou
Cobalt Institute’s Tom Fairlie, Senior Sustainability Manager, will be speaking as part of the panel discussion: "Exploring the transformation of the global battery market," diving into the evolving landscape of batteries, critical materials and sustainability challenges shaping the industry. Tom will also be hosting an exclusive Cobalt Institute workshop "The power of cobalt: market insights, decarbonisation strategies, and the path to a greener future" alongside Cobalt Institute’s Head of Communications, Marina Demidova.
RESOURCES
"Cobalt and Deep Sea Mining: In-Depth Perspective" webinar recording
With global demand for critical minerals on the rise, deep sea mining (DSM) is attracting increasing attention - but is it part of the solution, or a risk to marine ecosystems? Our webinar brought together leading industry experts to explore this complex issue, including the rapid evolution of global regulations governing DSM; strategic competition with China and the geopolitical dynamics shaping seabed mineral extraction; how AI and new technologies can help target seabed mineral extraction; and the importance of an inclusive regulatory framework that evolves alongside the industry.
Cobalt is a critical material powering the green economy, and demand is rising fast. Our latest factsheet highlights key trends, showing how cobalt’s role in electric mobility, aerospace, consumer electronics and renewable energy storage is driving sustained growth – and how, by 2050, demand is projected to triple as the world transitions to clean energy.
The Role of Traceability in Critical Mineral Supply Chains
How can traceability strengthen supply chain transparency and support responsible sourcing? Cobalt Institute’s Head of Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability, Susannah McLaren, contributed expert insights to this new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and OECD.