Here are the ten largest cobalt mines by production across the world in 2021, according to GlobalData’s mining database.
1. Metalkol RTR Project
The Metalkol RTR Project is a surface mine situated in Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Owned by Eurasian Resources Group, the brownfield mine produced an estimated 55,908 tonnes of cobalt in 2021.
2. Tenke Fungurume Mine
Located in Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Tenke Fungurume Mine is owned by China Molybdenum. The surface mine produced an estimated 18,501 tonnes of cobalt in 2021. The mine will operate until 2047.
3. Sicomines Copper-Cobalt Mine
The Sicomines Copper-Cobalt Mine is a surface mine located in Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Owned by China Railway Group, the greenfield mine produced an estimated 17,154 tonnes of cobalt in 2021.
4. KOV Mine
Owned by Glencore Plc, the KOV Mine is a surface mine situated in Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The brownfield mine produced an estimated 16,491 tonnes of cobalt in 2021. The expected mine closure date is 2028.
5. Mashamba East Mine
The Mashamba East Mine is a surface mine situated in Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Owned by Glencore Plc, the brownfield mine produced an estimated 17,775 tonnes of cobalt in 2021.
6. Kolwezi Mine
The Kolwezi Mine is a surface mine situated in Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Owned by Eurasian Resources Group, the brownfield mine produced an estimated 8,565 tonnes of cobalt in 2021. The mine will operate until 2036.
7. Kamoya Mine
Located in Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Kamoya Mine is owned by Wanbao Mining. The surface mine produced an estimated 7,339 tonnes of cobalt in 2021.
8. Etoile Mine
The Etoile Mine is a surface mine located in Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Owned by Shalina Resources, the brownfield mine produced an estimated 6,477 tonnes of cobalt in 2021.
9. Qinghai Deerni Copper Mine
Owned by Zijin Mining Group, the Qinghai Deerni Copper Mine is a surface mine situated in Qinghai, China. The greenfield mine produced an estimated 5,691 tonnes of cobalt in 2021.
10. Ruashi Mine
The Ruashi Mine is a surface mine situated in Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Owned by Jinchuan Group, the brownfield mine produced an estimated 4,085 tonnes of cobalt in 2021. The mine is expected to operate until 2029.
Methodology:
This information is drawn from GlobalData’s mines and projects database, which tracks all operating and developing mines and projects globally. Verdict’s parent company GlobalData provides business information to 4,000 of the world’s largest companies.