Raw Materials

Raw Materials

Cobalt | Market Surplus

Cobalt | Market Surplus

Cobalt market encountered record low prices Large surplus driven by project ramp-ups: Almost all Co is mined as a byproduct of Ni and Cu. As such, miners are not deterred by low Co prices and are expected to continue production as long as Ni and Cu markets incentivize production.

Cobalt is being thrifted and substituted: Rise of Co-free LFP and increasingly high-nickel NMC chemistries are softening demand for Co in batteries. Portable electronics market suffered waning demand; relies heavily on Co-rich LCO batteries:

Source: CRU Group

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