CASE STUDY

Cobalt: a sustainable mineral

CobaltCobalt has played a role in science and culture for thousands of year – tracing as far back as ancient Egypt, where its distinct blue colour sparkled in jewellery and ceramic glazes. Today it is recognized for its diverse energy, efficiency and environmental benefits.

Cobalt is used in aircraft engines, electrical power generating turbines and rechargeable batteries. Its chemical composition contains unique catalytic properties that can be used to develop clean fuel technology and minimize the effects of greenhouse gases. These qualities are also used to convert natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons, thus using carbon based resources more efficiently.

Its hard-wearing properties also make cobalt a useful element within the base industries, where it is used in the production of cutting tools for a broad range of industrial applications.

The high temperature resistance, hardness and wear characteristics of cobalt when alloyed with other metals is also put to good use in gas turbines and as hard surfacing in critical applications where working environments are aggressive (hot, pressurised and acidic for example. Given its wear and durability, cobalt can improve operating efficiencies by extending operating life and reducing friction.

Nutritional value

Cobalt can also be used as an adhesive for bonding rubber to metal in radial tyres and a drier in paints, varnishes and inks. Like zinc, cobalt is an oligo element, a crucial constituent in the synthesis of vitamin B12, which ensures growth and vitality in animals and humans. Because animals are susceptible to cobalt deficiency this element is introduced into animal feed supplements when necessary.

For more information on cobalt please visit www.thecdi.com

 

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CASE STUDY DETAILS

Published
29 September 2010
Company
Cobalt Development Institute

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