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Electric vehicle charging, one of the main uses of cobalt in lithium-ion batteries

Cobalt metal and hydroxide

Cobalt metal of 99.8% minimum and cobalt hydroxide from verified producers, for battery, superalloy and chemical buyers.

Cobalt metal99.8% Co minimum, cathode, broken cathode or briquettes
PackingMetal in steel drums of about 250 kg; hydroxide in bulk bags
DeliveryFOB, CIF, Warehouse
InspectionIndependent, at loading

Cobalt metal and hydroxide: typical specification

Indicative
Cobalt metal
99.8% Co minimum, cathode, broken cathode or briquettes
Cobalt hydroxide
Typically 20% to 40% Co, dry basis
Moisture, hydroxide
As agreed, settled on final assay
Packing
Metal in steel drums of about 250 kg; hydroxide in bulk bags
Pricing basis
Published cobalt reference price, or a payable percentage for hydroxide

Typical specification for reference. The binding specification for each lot is the producer certificate of analysis and the contract.

Export controls and complianceCobalt from the DRC and neighbouring countries carries known human rights risks, including artisanal mining and child labour. We follow OECD due diligence guidance and require mine-to-refiner traceability before any cobalt deal proceeds.

Delivery terms

FOBBuyer arranges the vessel and takes title at the load port.
CIFSeller arranges freight and insurance to the buyer discharge port.
WarehouseTitle transfer of stock held in a bonded or exchange warehouse.

Documents supplied

Certificate of analysisCertificate of originIndependent inspection and weight certificatePacking listBill of ladingChain of custody and responsible sourcing documents

Inspected at loading. Paid against documents.

Independent inspection by SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek or an equivalent accredited surveyor, with payment by documentary letter of credit.

About cobalt metal and hydroxide

Cobalt is used in lithium-ion battery cathodes, superalloys for jet engines, hard metals and chemicals. Most mined supply comes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and most refining takes place in China.

Refined cobalt is sold as cathode, broken cathode, briquettes or rounds. Cobalt hydroxide is an intermediate product sold to refiners and priced as a percentage of the metal price.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between cobalt metal and hydroxide?

Cobalt metal is the refined product of 99.8% or higher. Cobalt hydroxide is an intermediate from mine processing, sold to refiners who turn it into metal or cobalt sulphate.

Can you supply cobalt with responsible sourcing documents?

Yes. We work with producers that can show the mine of origin and the chain of custody, and we check against OECD guidance before any offer is made.

How is payment usually made?

By documentary letter of credit from a bank acceptable to the seller, with payment against shipping documents and the inspection certificate.

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