Uses & Applications

Applications and End-Uses for Cobalt

Cobalt (Co) is a high-criticality battery metal with a diverse range of industrial and technological applications. As global demand for advanced materials intensifies, understanding where and how Cobalt is consumed provides essential context for supply chain planning, investment analysis, and policy development.

Key Applications

The primary end-uses of Cobalt span multiple sectors, each contributing to its classification as a critical material. The following applications represent the most significant sources of global demand:

• Lithium-ion battery cathodes — Cobalt plays a vital role in lithium-ion battery cathodes, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Superalloys for jet engines — Cobalt plays a vital role in superalloys for jet engines, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Cemented carbide cutting tools — Cobalt plays a vital role in cemented carbide cutting tools, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Catalysts for chemical processes — Cobalt plays a vital role in catalysts for chemical processes, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Permanent magnets — Cobalt plays a vital role in permanent magnets, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.

Sector Breakdown

The largest consuming sector for Cobalt is lithium-ion battery cathodes, which accounts for a substantial share of global demand. The second most significant application is superalloys for jet engines, which has shown strong growth in recent years driven by technology adoption and regulatory requirements. Emerging applications across clean energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing are expected to expand the demand profile for Cobalt in the coming decade.

Demand Outlook

With a criticality level of high and a supply risk rating of high, the demand trajectory for Cobalt is closely monitored by governments and industry analysts. Its inclusion on the USGS critical minerals list underscores the strategic importance of securing stable supply for domestic industries. The European Union has similarly recognized its importance through inclusion on the EU Critical Raw Materials list. Growing demand from electrification, digitalization, and defense modernization programs is expected to place additional pressure on existing supply chains.