Congo

Cobalt is a key metal in the lithium-ion batteries that power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles1. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) produces an estimated 70% of the world's cobalt, mainly as a byproduct of copper and nickel. Cobalt is found in various forms in the Congo, and is refined by different processes, such as hydrometallurgical refining or separation flotation. More than 60% of the cobalt supply is mined in the south-eastern provinces of the DRC, often by locals of all ages, including children.