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What Is Cobalt and Why It Matters in 2026

  • Writer: simone blance
    simone blance
  • Feb 10
  • 1 min read

Cobalt is a critical metal used in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, laptops, and smartphones. Demand for cobalt is expected to keep rising as the world electrifies transportation and energy storage. In 2026 analysts expect a global cobalt market deficit as supply tightens - largely due to export delays and regulatory changes in the DRC. 

The DRC still produces roughly 70% of the world’s cobalt, making it indispensable for the tech and green-energy industries, despite serious ethical issues.

 
 
 

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