Cobalt
Overview
A transition metal critical for lithium-ion battery cathodes, aerospace superalloys, and tool steels. The DRC produces 70% of global supply, creating significant concentration risk.
Strategic Relevance
Essential for high-energy-density batteries (NMC/NCA). LFP alternatives are gaining share but cobalt remains critical for premium EV and aerospace applications.
Applications
Price History
Historical price trend (USD/kg or USD/tonne)
Physical Properties
- Density
- 8.90 g/cm³
- Melting Point
- 1,495°C
- Atomic Number
- 27
- Category
- Transition Metal
Supply Concentration
- DR Congo70%
- China8%
- Russia8%
- Zambia7%
- Other7%
Related Documentation
Procyon Indicative Price
Form: Metal · Purity: 99.8%
Indicative level for information only, based on Procyon Metals' trading activity. It is not a firm offer or investment advice. Firm quotes are issued to partner advisers and professional clients according to form, purity and volume.
Request a firm quote →Frequently asked questions
What is the price of cobalt?
In 2024, the reference price for cobalt stood at around 24 USD/kg, compared with 33 USD/kg in 2023. Prices vary with purity, form (oxide or metal) and traded volume; the full history is charted above.
How can a client hold physical cobalt?
Cobalt is held in a specified form (metal, oxide or compound) and purity, backed by a certificate of analysis for the lot. Procyon Metals works through wealth advisers and family offices: it sources from vetted counterparties, documents the lot and arranges transport and storage with a specialist custodian.
Why is cobalt a strategic metal?
Essential for high-energy-density batteries (NMC/NCA). LFP alternatives are gaining share but cobalt remains critical for premium EV and aerospace applications.
Which countries produce cobalt?
Cobalt production is highly concentrated: DRC (70%), China (8%), Russia (8%), Zambia (7%).
How liquid is physical cobalt?
Less liquid than listed products: there is no exchange price for cobalt that a private holder can trade on. Resale is negotiated with industrial buyers or traders, and the price and timing depend on form, purity, lot size and demand at that moment. It should be treated as a long-horizon holding.