Why is cobalt crucial for powering modern technology?

Cobalt, a silvery-blue metal, may not always capture the spotlight, but its influence on modern life is undeniable.

As the leading cobalt-producing nations—Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Australia, Canada, Russia, and others—continue to fuel global supply, this versatile element drives innovation across industries.

From the devices we carry to the vehicles we drive, cobalt’s unique properties make it indispensable. Let’s explore its everyday applications and why it remains a cornerstone of modern technology.

⚡ Cobalt in Rechargeable Batteries: Energizing Our Devices

One of cobalt’s most prominent uses is in lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles (EVs). Cobalt, typically found in the cathode of these batteries, enhances energy density and stability, ensuring devices last longer between charges.

For example:

The Tesla Model 3 battery relies on cobalt to deliver the range and reliability drivers expect.
The laptop or tablet you’re using right now likely owes its portability to cobalt’s ability to pack power into a compact form.

As EV adoption surges—with global sales surpassing 14 million in 2024—cobalt’s role in sustainable transport continues to grow. Despite ongoing research into cobalt-free batteries, it remains a critical ingredient for high-performance energy storage.

🏥 Medical Marvels: Cobalt in Healthcare

Beyond electronics, cobalt plays a life-saving role in medicine.

Cobalt-60, a radioactive isotope, is widely used in radiation therapy to treat cancer. Hospitals such as the Mayo Clinic (USA) and the Royal Marsden (UK) use cobalt-60 machines to deliver precise radiation doses, shrinking tumors while sparing healthy tissue.
Cobalt is also essential for human health in the form of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which supports red blood cell production and neurological function. Whether in dietary supplements or cutting-edge cancer treatments, cobalt quietly contributes to human well-being.

🔧 Strengthening Everyday Materials: Alloys and Tools

Cobalt’s durability and heat resistance make it a key ingredient in industrial applications, particularly in superalloys and cutting tools.

Turbine blades in jet engines, such as those powering the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, rely on cobalt-based alloys to withstand extreme heat and stress.
In everyday life, cobalt reinforces the steel in drill bits and saw blades, making them tougher and more durable—staples in any DIY enthusiast’s garage.

Cobalt’s corrosion resistance ensures these materials last longer, making it a hidden hero in manufacturing and construction.

🎨 Color and Creativity: Cobalt in Art and Design

Cobalt’s impact isn’t limited to functionality—it also inspires creativity.

For centuries, artists have prized cobalt compounds for their vibrant blue hues.
The pigment cobalt blue, seen in Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night and Chinese porcelain, owes its brilliance to this metal.
Today, cobalt pigments color glass, ceramics, and even cosmetics, adding beauty to everyday objects.

Next time you admire a stained-glass window or a striking piece of jewelry, cobalt may be the unsung artist behind its beauty.

🌍 Cobalt’s Significance to Producing Nations

For top-producing nations, cobalt is more than a commodity—it’s a strategic asset and an economic lifeline.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) supplies over 60% of the world’s cobalt, making it essential to global tech giants.
Australia’s mines, particularly in Western Australia, bolster clean energy initiatives.
Canada’s cobalt deposits in Ontario and Quebec support North American tech and manufacturing.
Russia’s Norilsk operations contribute to its industrial power, tying cobalt to its resource-driven economy.

These nations play a pivotal role in meeting the rising demand for cobalt, which is crucial for renewable energy and cutting-edge technologies.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Cobalt’s Future in a Sustainable World

As the world embraces electrification and sustainability, cobalt’s importance will only deepen.

Efforts to recycle batteries and develop cobalt-free alternatives are ongoing, but for now, cobalt remains irreplaceable in many applications.
However, the challenge lies in balancing supply with responsible mining practices—a task as critical as the metal itself.