Cobalt: DRC's Critical Mineral and the Global Battery Supply Chain
The DRC produces 70 percent of global cobalt, an essential component of lithium-ion batteries. Child labour concerns and supply chain traceability requirements are reshaping how global buyers source African cobalt.
Cobalt is an essential cathode material for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and consumer electronics. The DRC produces approximately 70 percent of global cobalt supply, extracted as a by-product of copper mining in Katanga province and through artisanal and small-scale mining in South Kivu and Lualaba provinces. Global cobalt demand reached approximately 200,000 tonnes in 2023, with battery applications (EV and consumer electronics) accounting for 70 percent. The concentration of supply in a single country with significant artisanal mining and documented child labour concerns has made cobalt one of global supply chains' most scrutinised materials.
Traceability and Responsible Sourcing
The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains, the Responsible Cobalt Initiative, and the Global Battery Alliance's Responsible Battery Standard all require cobalt buyers to demonstrate supply chain traceability from mine to battery. Blockchain-based traceability systems including RESOLVE's Responsible Minerals Initiative blockchain and DRC government's ITRI Tin Supply Chain Initiative are being extended to cobalt. Cobalt buyers and responsible sourcing professionals can access traceability tool contacts and DRC sector data on intra-africa.com.
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