Cobalt

Material information

Powering the Portable Revolution

Driving the future of energy storage and high-performance alloys with Less Common Metals.

Cobalt is the unsung hero of the modern mobile world. From the smartphone in your pocket to the electric vehicle (EV) in your driveway, Cobalt is the key ingredient that makes high-energy-density batteries possible. As the demand for portable power grows, so does the vital importance of a secure, ethical Cobalt supply chain.

As a leading UK manufacturer of high-purity metals, Less Common Metals (LCM) is dedicated to supporting the West’s strategic material needs. Located in Ellesmere Port, UK, we provide high-grade Cobalt necessary for advanced battery manufacturing, aerospace superalloys and industrial applications.

Technical Details

CompositionBriquettes / Cathode / Powder
Common metallic impuritiesTrace metals basis
Physical DescriptionEither, broken cathode, cut cathode, briquettes or powder. Minimum thickness 1mm. Maximum piece size 25mm x 25mm x 10mm
AnalyticsICP-OES
Certificate of analysisAvailable upon request
PackagingPacked in sealed polythene bags and supplied in securely sealed metal drums, resistant to the impregnation of water

What is Cobalt?

Cobalt is a hard, lustrous, silver-grey metal. It is found in the Earth’s crust only in chemically combined form, save for small deposits found in alloys of natural meteoric iron. Historically known for the rich blue pigment it produces, modern Cobalt is a critical “technology metal” essential for a low-carbon future.

What is Cobalt used for?

Cobalt is a versatile powerhouse. While its most famous application today is in energy storage, its unique properties make it indispensable across several industries. Here are some examples:

  • Lithium-Ion Batteries: Cobalt is the cathode material of choice for lithium-ion batteries. It prevents the cathode from overheating and boosts the energy density, allowing for longer-range EVs and longer-lasting consumer electronics. 
  • High-Strength Alloys: When alloyed with other metals, Cobalt retains its magnetic strength even at high temperatures. This makes it vital for “superalloys” used in jet turbine engines and gas turbine generators, where extreme heat resistance is required. 
  • Magnets: Cobalt is a key component in Alnico (Aluminium-Nickel-Cobalt) and Samarium-Cobalt magnets, which offer exceptional stability in high-temperature environments where other magnets might fail. 
  • Pigments & Ceramics: The compounds Cobalt Silicate (CoSiO3) and Cobalt (II) Aluminate (CoAl2O4) create the distinctive “Cobalt Blue.” This deep blue colour is still widely used today in glass, ceramics, inks, paints and varnishes.

Cobalt Industry Insight

The Battery Boom

Cobalt is at the centre of the global race for energy independence. As noted in recent BBC reports on critical minerals, Cobalt is expected to see massive demand growth alongside Lithium due to its role in portable batteries and high-strength alloys.

Because the majority of the world’s Cobalt is processed in China, establishing alternative supply chains is a priority for Western nations. LCM is positioned to support this shift, offering a reliable source for high-purity material within Europe.

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