Substitutes

Substitutes and Alternatives for Cobalt

The availability of viable substitutes is a key factor in assessing the criticality of any mineral. For Cobalt, the substitution landscape varies significantly across its major applications, with some uses offering reasonable alternatives while others face limited or no substitution options.

Substitution by Application

• Lithium-ion battery cathodes — Potential substitutes exist with varying degrees of performance trade-offs. Alternative materials may offer lower cost or improved availability but typically involve compromises in efficiency, durability, or other performance characteristics that have established Cobalt as the preferred material.
• Superalloys for jet engines — Potential substitutes exist with varying degrees of performance trade-offs. Alternative materials may offer lower cost or improved availability but typically involve compromises in efficiency, durability, or other performance characteristics that have established Cobalt as the preferred material.
• Cemented carbide cutting tools — Potential substitutes exist with varying degrees of performance trade-offs. Alternative materials may offer lower cost or improved availability but typically involve compromises in efficiency, durability, or other performance characteristics that have established Cobalt as the preferred material.
• Catalysts for chemical processes — Potential substitutes exist with varying degrees of performance trade-offs. Alternative materials may offer lower cost or improved availability but typically involve compromises in efficiency, durability, or other performance characteristics that have established Cobalt as the preferred material.
• Permanent magnets — Potential substitutes exist with varying degrees of performance trade-offs. Alternative materials may offer lower cost or improved availability but typically involve compromises in efficiency, durability, or other performance characteristics that have established Cobalt as the preferred material.

Performance Trade-offs

In most applications, substituting Cobalt with alternative materials involves measurable performance penalties. These may include reduced efficiency, shorter product lifespans, higher weight, or increased manufacturing complexity. In high-performance applications such as lithium-ion battery cathodes, these trade-offs can be particularly significant, limiting the practical viability of substitution even when alternatives are technically available.

Research and Development

Active research programs are underway to develop improved substitutes for Cobalt in its most critical applications. These efforts include material science research into alternative compounds, engineering approaches to reduce the quantity of Cobalt required per unit of product (thrifting), and entirely new technology platforms that avoid the need for Cobalt altogether. However, timelines for commercializing new alternatives typically span years to decades.

Strategic Implications

The limited substitutability of Cobalt in key applications is a primary driver of its high criticality rating. Governments and industries are investing in substitution research as part of broader strategies to reduce critical mineral dependencies.