Which countries have produced large amounts of mined and refined cobalt?

The production of cobalt involves both mining and refining, with different countries leading in each stage.

Mined Cobalt

By the second decade of the 21st century, the world’s leading producers of mined cobalt were the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), China, Canada, and Russia. The DRC has been a dominant global producer of cobalt since 1920, with significant mineral deposits located in its Katanga province. Cobalt is frequently recovered as a by-product of mining other metals, such as copper, nickel, and iron.123

Refined Cobalt

China is the world's largest producer of refined cobalt. To support this output, China imports vast quantities of cobalt mineral resources, particularly from the DRC.1

Historically, other regions have played significant roles in cobalt production. In 1874, production in New Caledonia surpassed European deposits, and by 1905, Canada had assumed a leadership role in the industry. Other notable producers have included Australia and the Philippines.2