Cobalt 2050: Powering America’s Path to a Net-Zero Future
9.15am – 10.45am EST 10 DECember 2024
BLOOMBERG, WASHINGTON, D.C.
Cobalt is indispensable for reaching the global 2050 net-zero target, demonstrated BloombergNEF’s groundbreaking study, commissioned by Cobalt Institute. Key sectors – EV batteries, aerospace, defence and consumer electronics – will increase cobalt demand three-fold by 2050, driven by the global commitment to achieve the energy transition. Fully unlocking cobalt’s potential to help deliver a net-zero future urgently demands significant capital deployment and new production capacity, together with policies incentivizing demand, competitiveness, and recycling.
This briefing in the Bloomberg DC office will be discussing the key findings of the report, the role of cobalt and critical minerals in achieving energy transition in the US, as well as updates based on US election outcomes.
Please contact CI@cobaltinstitute.org if you want to register.
Agenda
9.00 – 9.15 | Arrival & Registration |
9.15 – 9.20 |
Welcome Remarks
|
9.20 – 9.30
|
Keynote Speech
|
9.30 – 9.40 |
Keynote Speech
|
9.40 – 9.55 |
“Cobalt 2050” Study Presentation
|
9.55 – 10.30 |
Panel discussion
|
10.30 – 10.45 | Q&A with audience |
speakers
Trent Mell,
CEO,
Electra Battery Materials

Trent Mell is the Founder and CEO of Electra Battery Materials Corporation, driving its mission to establish North America’s first fully integrated and environmentally sustainable battery materials park. Under his leadership, Electra is building the continent’s first battery grade cobalt sulfate refinery, a critical step in advancing U.S. efforts to onshore key components of the battery supply chain and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
With 25 years of international business and operational experience, Trent has a proven track record in corporate finance, M&A, mine development, and operations. His leadership roles span industry leaders such as Barrick Gold, Sherritt International, and North American Palladium. Trent holds an EMBA from the Kellogg School of Management and Schulich School of Business, an LL.M from Osgoode Hall Law School, and a B.A., B.C.L., and LL.B. from McGill University.
Matthew Lengerich,
Executive General Manager Mining,
Jervois

Matthew Lengerich joined Jervois from global miner Rio Tinto, where he has spent more than 20 years in a range of roles, with his last position as General Manager – Digital Transformation, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Over the past four years, Mr Lengerich has been a key leader of Rio Tinto’s efforts to advance its capacity in artificial intelligence, data analytics and mine productivity across its global operating sites.
Prior to these specialised mining technology roles, as General Manager of Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s integrated operations centre in Perth, Australia, Mr Lengerich had responsibility for 450 staff in central control, executing dynamic scheduling and maintaining the production systems associated with the delivery of 320Mtpa of iron ore from Western Australia. This product was sourced from 15 mines, and transported through 1,700km of rail network and four independent ports, by the remote operating team.
Zoe Oysul,
Senior Policy Analyst,
SAFE

Kwasi Ampofo,
Head of Metals and Mining,
Bloomberg NEF

Dinah McLeod, Director General, Cobalt Institute
