Global cobalt mine production 2023, by leading country

The leading country in worldwide cobalt mine production in 2023 was the Democratic Republic of Congo, having produced an estimated 170,000 metric tons that year.

Cobalt industry

Cobalt is a hard, lustrous metal that is only found in Earth’s crust. It was first discovered in 1735 by Swedish chemist Georg Brandt. Cobalt is used in electroplating to combat surface oxidation. It is also used to form alloys. Fundamentally, it is a byproduct of mining nickel, silver, lead, copper, and iron. Compounds of cobalt have also been used to color porcelain, glass, pottery, and tile due to the blue color it produces. In 2023, the worldwide mine production of cobalt amounted to 230,000 metric tons.

Cobalt mining in the DRC

The mining industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the most lucrative and essential part of the DRC economy. It is their largest source of export income. The DRC accounted for nearly three-quarters of global cobalt production in 2023, making it the world's largest cobalt producer by a wide margin. Despite having the largest reserves of cobalt as well as other minerals in the world, the DRC still suffers from poverty and corruption. DRC’s mine production of cobalt has more than doubled since 2010.