COBALT FOR SALE

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION:

Chemical Symbol: Co
Atomic Number: 27
Atomic Weight: 58.933 g/mol
Mineral Form: Cobalt typically occurs in mineral forms such as cobaltite (CoAsS), erythrite (Co₃(AsO₄)₂·8H₂O), and skutterudite ((Co,Ni)As₃), often associated with nickel and copper ores.
Purity: Cobalt content in mineral ores varies but generally ranges from 0.1% to 1.5% in commercial ores. The grade is typically specified in percentage terms (e.g., 0.5% Co).

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PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:

Color: Metallic gray, bluish-gray
Luster: Metallic
Density: 8.9 g/cm³ (pure cobalt)
Hardness: 5.0 on the Mohs scale
Melting Point: 1,495°C (2,723°F)
Boiling Point: 2,927°C (5,301°F)

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GRADE AND CONCENTRATION:
Ore Grade: Cobalt ores are graded based on cobalt content and impurities. Typical ore grades range from 0.1% to 1.5% cobalt.
Concentrate Grade: After beneficiation, cobalt concentrates typically contain 10% to 30% cobalt, depending on the source and processing methods.
Purity Levels: In refined cobalt metal, purity levels are typically specified in terms of minimum cobalt content, often >99.8% for high-grade industrial applications.

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FORMS OF COBALT:
Cobalt Ores: Typically mined as a byproduct of copper and nickel mining, with ores like cobaltite and heterogenite being common sources.
Cobalt Concentrates: Processed from ores to increase cobalt content before refining.
Cobalt Metal: Produced in various forms, including ingots, cathodes, and powders, with high purity for industrial applications.
Cobalt Compounds: Common compounds include cobalt oxide (CoO), cobalt sulfate (CoSO₄), and cobalt chloride (CoCl₂), used in various chemical and industrial processes.

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APPLICATIONS:
Batteries: A critical component in lithium-ion batteries, particularly in the cathodes for electric vehicles and portable electronics.
Superalloys: Used in high-temperature superalloys for aerospace engines and industrial gas turbines due to its heat-resistant properties.
Catalysts: Cobalt is used as a catalyst in the petroleum and chemical industries, including in hydrodesulfurization processes.
Magnets: Important in the production of strong, permanent magnets, such as Alnico and samarium-cobalt magnets.
Pigments: Cobalt is used to produce vibrant blue pigments for glass, ceramics, and paints.

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MARKET AND TRADE SPECIFICATION:
Standard Contracts: Cobalt is traded on commodity exchanges like the London Metal Exchange (LME), with specifications often including minimum purity levels and forms (e.g., metal, concentrate).
Packaging: Cobalt is typically shipped in drums, ingots, or as powder, depending on the form and destination.
Safety and Handling: Due to its chemical properties, cobalt requires careful handling to avoid exposure to cobalt dust, which can be harmful if inhaled.

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GEOGRAPHICAL SOURCES:
Major Producers: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the largest producer of cobalt, followed by countries like Russia, Australia, Canada, and Zambia.
Mining Methods: Cobalt is usually extracted through underground or open-pit mining, often in conjunction with nickel and copper mining.

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ENVIRONMENTAL AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS:
Sustainability: Cobalt mining, particularly in the DRC, has raised concerns about environmental impact and ethical sourcing, leading to increased scrutiny and efforts toward more sustainable practices.
Regulatory Standards: Vary by country, with regulations focused on environmental protection, worker safety, and trade compliance.