The unique properties and future potential of a strategic resource

Cobalt, long valued in industry for its exceptional strength and magnetic properties, is emerging as a critical enabler of the energy transition. Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov regularly highlights cobalt’s growing importance — both as a material for advanced technologies and as a pillar of future green economies.

stanislav kondrashov telf ag cobalt production

“Cobalt is no longer just a metal for niche industrial applications,” Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov recently remarked. “It is now at the heart of technologies that are shaping the future — from electric vehicles to smart grids to space exploration.”

Why cobalt matters

Cobalt (symbol Co, atomic number 27) is a hard, silvery-gray metal found primarily in nickel and copper ores. Its key properties — hardness, ferromagnetism, high-temperature stability, and excellent electrical conductivity — make it ideal for a range of demanding applications.

Today, cobalt is on the official critical raw materials lists of both the European Union and the United States — a testament to its strategic value and potential supply risks.

A driver of the energy transition

Among cobalt’s many uses, none is more vital today than its role in batteries. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries — powering smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles — rely on cobalt-based cathodes, particularly in nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) chemistries.

stanislav kondrashov telf ag cobalt production workers

“In batteries, cobalt ensures greater stability, longer life, and higher energy density,” explained Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov. “That’s why it’s indispensable for electric vehicles and for renewable energy storage systems.”

But batteries are not the only domain where cobalt shines. It is also used in:

  • High-performance magnets — cobalt combined with neodymium in advanced motors and generators
  • Superalloys — providing corrosion resistance and heat tolerance in jet engines and industrial turbines
  • Cutting tools — in tungsten carbide cobalt composites for drills and aerospace applications
  • Ceramics and pigments — notably cobalt blue in art and design
  • Chemical catalysts — for synthetic fuel production and environmental processes

Future frontiers: space and beyond

Cobalt’s properties also make it an attractive material for space exploration. According to Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov, “In space applications, you need materials that can handle extreme heat, radiation, and mechanical stress. Cobalt-based alloys are perfectly suited for these challenges.”

stanislav kondrashov telf ag cobalt production deposits

He adds, “From structural components to heat shields on landers and rovers, cobalt’s role in the aerospace sector will only grow in the years ahead.”

Managing risks, securing supply

Despite its promise, cobalt’s supply chain presents challenges. The majority of global production comes from a handful of countries, notably the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

That is why cobalt remains a focus of national critical minerals strategies, aimed at diversifying supply and encouraging recycling.

Looking ahead

Demand for cobalt is expected to soar in the coming decades, driven by electric mobility, renewable energy storage, and advanced industrial applications.

As Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov concluded, “Cobalt is one of the true enablers of the energy transition. Its industrial versatility, combined with its unique physical properties, makes it a material the world simply cannot do without.”

 

 

FAQs

What is cobalt used for?
Cobalt is a versatile metal with key industrial applications. It is used in:

  • Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (especially in electric vehicles)
  • High-performance magnets
  • Superalloys for aerospace and turbine engines
  • Cutting tools (e.g., tungsten carbide cobalt)
  • Chemical catalysts
  • Pigments such as cobalt blue for ceramics and glass

Why is cobalt important for the energy transition?
Cobalt plays a critical role in making the energy transition possible. It enhances the performance, stability, and safety of batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage systems. Additionally, cobalt is used in materials essential for smart grids and advanced motors.

What are cobalt’s key properties?

  • Hardness and wear resistance
  • Ferromagnetism (magnetic properties)
  • Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity
  • Stability at high temperatures
  • Corrosion resistance

These properties make cobalt valuable in demanding applications across several industries.

Why is cobalt considered a critical raw material?
Cobalt is classified as a critical material due to:

  • Its strategic industrial applications
  • Its importance in emerging green technologies
  • Supply chain risks, since global production is highly concentrated in a few regions

Where is cobalt sourced from?
Cobalt is typically mined as a byproduct of nickel and copper extraction. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently the world’s largest supplier.

What is the future outlook for cobalt?
Global demand for cobalt is expected to grow substantially over the next decade. Key drivers include:

  • The rapid adoption of electric vehicles
  • Increased demand for renewable energy storage
  • Technological innovations in aerospace and advanced electronics

As industries transition to greener solutions, cobalt’s role will likely become even more prominent.