cobaltbearing

Cobaltbearing refers to any mineral or material in which cobalt is a significant constituent. In geology, the term is often used for cobalt-bearing minerals that serve as ore sources for cobalt metal and compounds used commercially. Cobalt is typically present in sulfide, arsenate, oxide, and carbonate forms, and can occur as a major or trace component within a broader mineral lattice.

Common cobalt-bearing minerals include cobaltite (CoAsS); skutterudite (CoAs3); erythrite (Co3(AsO4)2·8H2O); heterogenite (CoO(OH)); glaucodot ((Fe,Co)AsS); and siegenite ((Co,Ni)3S4). Cobaltoan varieties of dolomite and related rocks contain cobalt substituting for magnesium or iron in carbonate minerals. These minerals are typically found in copper- and nickel-rich ore deposits, and cobalt is often recovered as a byproduct of refining these base metals.

Geographically, primary cobalt production is concentrated in a few regions, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo historically the largest producer, and additional sources including Russia, Canada, and Zambia. Extraction generally involves ore concentration, smelting, and refining to metal or chemical compounds.

Uses of cobalt from cobaltbearing minerals include rechargeable battery materials, particularly lithium-ion cathodes, as well as superalloys used in turbines and catalysts. Cobalt compounds are also employed in pigments and ceramics, among other applications. The cobalt supply chain raises environmental and social considerations, prompting responsible-sourcing initiatives and audits. Processing of cobalt ore requires proper handling of toxic materials and waste to mitigate environmental impacts.

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