The increasing demand for cobalt in industries such as electric vehicles and renewable energy has led to efforts to increase the efficiency and sustainability of cobalt production, as well as to reduce the environmental and social impacts of mining. The resulting cobalt can be used in a wide range of applications, including batteries, magnets, and alloys. Once the cobalt is extracted from the ore, it can be refined through a variety of processes, including roasting, leaching, and electrolysis. This has led to growing concerns over the ethical and environmental impacts of cobalt mining. In the DRC, much of the cobalt is mined by artisanal miners, who work with rudimentary tools and often use child labor. Other significant producers of cobalt include Russia, Australia, and Canada.Ĭobalt production typically involves mining and processing the ores to extract the metal. The majority of the world’s cobalt is mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is responsible for about 70% of global production. 8H 2O], but it can also be found in other minerals such as pentlandite and pyrite.The most important ores of cobalt are cobaltite (CoAsS) and erythrite [Co 3(AsO 4) 2 Occurrence and productionĬobalt is a relatively rare element that is typically found in association with other metals, particularly nickel and copper. This led to the development of cobalt-based alloys, which are still used today in a wide range of applications, from aircraft engines to dental implants. The use of cobalt in alloys was not discovered until the 18 th century when it was found that adding cobalt to steel increased its strength and toughness. He discovered that smalt contained a new element, which he named “cobalt” after the German word “kobold,” which means “goblin” or “evil spirit.” This name was given to cobalt because it was often found with arsenic, which was known to be poisonous.Īfter its discovery, cobalt was primarily used as a blue pigment in glass and ceramics. Brandt was studying the properties of the mineral “smalt,” which was used as a blue pigment in glass and ceramics. Learn how to find: Cobalt protons neutrons electronsĬobalt was first discovered in 1735 by the Swedish chemist Georg Brandt. German word “kobald” (which means goblin) Cobalt location on periodic tableCobalt is found in the ninth column of the periodic table, next to the iron element.
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