Congo Cobalt Reserves
The Democratic Republic of Congo controls the world's largest cobalt reserves, critical for the global energy transition.
What is Cobalt?
Cobalt is a hard, lustrous, silver-gray metal used primarily in lithium-ion battery cathodes for electric vehicles, smartphones, and energy storage systems. It is classified as a critical mineral by the United States, European Union, and other major economies due to its essential role in the clean energy transition. The Democratic Republic of Congo holds over 70% of the world's known cobalt reserves.
Key Facts about DRC Cobalt
- DRC cobalt reserves: approximately 3.6 million metric tons
- Annual production: approximately 130,000 metric tons
- Global market share: approximately 70%
- Cobalt price (2026): approximately $30,000-35,000 per metric ton
- Primary application: 70% of cobalt goes to rechargeable batteries
- Mining provinces: Lualaba and Haut-Katanga
Global Cobalt Production by Country
| Country | Production (MT) | Global Share | Reserves (MT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic Republic of Congo | 130,000 | ~70% | 3,600,000 |
| Indonesia | 10,000 | ~5% | 600,000 |
| Russia | 8,900 | ~5% | 250,000 |
| Australia | 5,900 | ~3% | 1,500,000 |
| Philippines | 4,600 | ~2% | 260,000 |
Cobalt and the EV Battery Supply Chain
Global demand for cobalt is projected to triple by 2030, driven primarily by the electric vehicle revolution. Cobalt is a key component in NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) and NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminum) battery cathodes, which power the majority of EVs. The DRC's dominance in cobalt supply makes it a strategically critical country for automakers including Tesla, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and BYD.
ESG and Responsible Cobalt Sourcing
CongoConnect360 promotes responsible cobalt sourcing through its Congo Verified due diligence process. All cobalt investment projects listed on the platform comply with international ESG standards, including the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains, the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), and the London Metal Exchange's responsible sourcing requirements.
Invest in DRC Cobalt Projects
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