Cobalt is produced in a concentrated set of countries, each with distinct risk profiles for responsible sourcing. The Democratic Republic of Congo dominates global supply but presents the highest human rights risk. This section provides compliance profiles for all major cobalt sourcing countries.
DR Congo (DRC)
~70% of global supply. OECD CAHRA. Significant ASM sector. Child labour risk. Katanga Province.
Country profile →Zambia
Copperbelt Province. Industrial mining. Lower risk than DRC. Mopani, KCM, Chambishi.
Country profile →Australia
Laterite deposits. Murrin Murrin, Ravensthorpe. Low geopolitical risk. HPAL processing.
Country profile →Philippines
Laterite nickel-cobalt. Environmental compliance issues. Coral Bay, Taganito HPAL.
Country profile →Russia
Nornickel / Norilsk. Sanctions risk post-2022. LME passported but reputational concerns.
Country profile →Madagascar
Ambatovy HPAL. Sherritt / Sumitomo. Biodiversity-sensitive area. Low conflict risk.
Country profile →