The Cobalt Origin Record is the definitive compliance intelligence hub for cobalt supply chain due diligence. Cobalt is a critical raw material embedded in lithium-ion batteries, superalloys, and catalysts — and it is subject to an expanding matrix of international regulations targeting forced labour, conflict financing, environmental harm, and carbon disclosure.
Regulatory Landscape
Cobalt supply chains are governed by a complex web of regulations spanning the EU, US, and international bodies. The EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542 requires battery manufacturers to disclose cobalt content, origin, and carbon footprint from 2026. The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains provides the foundational framework adopted by most corporate policies. In the US, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) creates a rebuttable presumption that goods from Xinjiang — a region with cobalt processing facilities — are made with forced labour.
Key Compliance Areas
EU Battery Regulation
Mandatory due diligence, carbon footprint declarations, and recycled content thresholds for cobalt in EV and industrial batteries.
Read the regulation →OECD Due Diligence
Five-step framework for responsible mineral sourcing. The global standard referenced by the EU, US, and OECD member states.
Read the guidance →Conflict Minerals (EU)
EU Regulation 2017/821 on responsible sourcing of tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold from conflict-affected areas — with cobalt under review.
Read the regulation →UFLPA (US)
US Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Rebuttable presumption applies to goods processed in Xinjiang, including cobalt refining.
Read the act →Dodd-Frank Section 1502
SEC disclosure requirement for US-listed companies using conflict minerals from the DRC region.
Read the requirement →CSDDD (EU)
EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive — mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence across value chains.
Read the directive →Sourcing Countries
The Democratic Republic of Congo accounts for approximately 70% of global cobalt mine production, with significant artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) activity raising persistent human rights concerns. Other major producers include Zambia, Australia, the Philippines, Russia, Cuba, and Madagascar.
DR Congo (DRC)
~70% of global supply. Katanga Province. Significant ASM sector. OECD Annex II risk area.
Country profile →