Hong Kong, 15-16 May 2019
Cobalt is subject to a wide number of regulations, policies and classifications which are applied at regional, national and global level
Cobalt contributes greatly to the general quality of life for humans and for a sustainable future, its importance to rechargeable batteries, electronics, catalysts, alloys and healthcare has resulted in the metal being referred to as a technology enabling element
Cobalt is a technology and energy metal with unique physical and chemical properties making it ideal for use in a wide range of metallic and chemical applications
On 9 January 2019, the Cobalt Institute (CI) launched the Cobalt Industry Responsible Assessment Framework (CIRAF)
Metalkol RTR is a major reprocessing plant for historic cobalt and copper tailings from previous mining operations in the Haut-Katanga province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The President of the CI opened China International Ni&Co Industry Forum 2018 with a speech on the circular economy and the value of pursuing sustainability
Cobalt has been used to colour pottery and glass for at least 2600 years evidenced by cobalt-containing glazes having been found in Ancient Egyptian tombs. Chinese pottery from Tang (600-900 AD) and Ming dynasties (1350-1650 AD) also contained blue colours made from cobalt-containing minerals
Cobalt is considered a Critical Raw Material, it is recognised as an important technology enabling metal where energy storage, high temperature resilience, hardness, process efficiency and environmental benefits are required
January 2019
The CI is looking to develop a sustainability profile for cobalt which will outline the environmental effects and the socio-economic benefits, and highlight the “sustainability attributes” of cobalt substances used in various applications
Cobalt’s properties which allow for increasing chip performance, could lead it to have a major place in the semiconductor manufacturing industry
