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Cobalt Miners News For The Month Of July 2025

Cobalt Miners News: July 2025 Edition

In the ever-evolving landscape of critical minerals, cobalt remains a cornerstone for the global energy transition, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) battery sector. As we delve into the cobalt miners' news for July 2025, the industry continues to grapple with supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and fluctuating demand driven by the accelerating adoption of renewable energy technologies. This month's updates highlight a mix of production expansions, regulatory shifts, and market volatility, painting a picture of an sector poised for both opportunities and challenges. Major players like Glencore, Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), and emerging miners in regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Australia, and Canada are at the forefront, navigating a complex web of environmental concerns, ethical sourcing demands, and economic pressures.

Starting with market dynamics, cobalt prices have shown resilience amid broader commodity fluctuations. According to recent spot market data, the average price for cobalt hydroxide payable to producers hovered around $15-16 per pound in early July, a slight uptick from June's levels, buoyed by increased demand from Chinese battery manufacturers. This comes as global EV sales projections for 2025 are revised upward, with estimates suggesting over 20 million units sold worldwide, a 15% increase year-over-year. The surge is largely attributed to policy incentives in Europe and North America, where subsidies for green vehicles are ramping up. However, oversupply concerns linger, especially from artisanal mining operations in the DRC, which account for roughly 70% of global cobalt output. Analysts warn that without stricter regulations, price volatility could intensify, potentially dipping below $14 per pound if new supply floods the market.

Glencore, one of the world's largest cobalt producers, made headlines this month with announcements regarding its Mutanda mine in the DRC. The company reported a 10% increase in cobalt production for the second quarter, reaching approximately 12,000 tonnes, thanks to operational efficiencies and investments in processing technology. Glencore's CEO emphasized in a recent investor call that the firm is committed to sustainable practices, including blockchain-tracked supply chains to ensure ethical sourcing. This move aligns with growing pressure from automakers like Tesla and Volkswagen, who are demanding transparency to avoid reputational risks associated with child labor and environmental degradation in cobalt mining. Furthermore, Glencore has entered into a strategic partnership with a Chinese battery giant to secure offtake agreements, locking in sales for the next three years and providing a buffer against market dips.

Shifting focus to ERG, the Kazakhstan-based miner with significant operations in the DRC, July brought news of expansion plans at its Metalkol RTR facility. The company aims to boost cobalt output by 20% by the end of 2025, targeting 25,000 tonnes annually. This expansion is funded through a $500 million investment round, which includes contributions from international development banks focused on responsible mining. ERG's updates also highlighted advancements in tailings management, reducing water usage by 30% through innovative recycling techniques. However, the company faces headwinds from local regulatory changes in the DRC, where the government has imposed higher royalties on cobalt exports, now at 10% of revenue, up from 8% last year. This policy shift is part of a broader effort to capture more value from mineral resources, but it has sparked concerns among investors about profit margins.

In Australia, Cobalt Blue Holdings continues to make strides with its Broken Hill project. July saw the release of a feasibility study projecting an initial production capacity of 3,000 tonnes of cobalt sulfate per year, with operations slated to commence in late 2026. The project emphasizes low-carbon mining methods, utilizing renewable energy sources for 80% of its power needs. This positions Cobalt Blue as a key player in diversifying global supply away from DRC dominance, appealing to Western buyers seeking geopolitical stability. The company's stock has seen a 15% rally this month on the Australian Securities Exchange, driven by positive analyst coverage and a new joint venture with a Japanese electronics firm for battery-grade cobalt refinement.

Canadian miners are also in the spotlight, with Sherritt International reporting steady progress at its Moa joint venture in Cuba. Cobalt production for the quarter stood at 1,200 tonnes, maintaining levels despite logistical challenges from global shipping delays. Sherritt's focus on nickel-cobalt co-production has proven resilient, with the company announcing a $100 million upgrade to enhance recovery rates. Meanwhile, in Ontario, Canada Nickel Company unveiled promising drill results from its Crawford project, indicating potential cobalt resources exceeding 50,000 tonnes. This development could position Canada as a significant cobalt supplier in North America, supported by government grants under the Critical Minerals Strategy.

Emerging players in Indonesia are gaining traction as the country ramps up its battery metals ecosystem. July news from Weda Bay Nickel, a joint venture involving Tsingshan Holding Group, included cobalt byproduct extraction reaching 5,000 tonnes annually. Indonesia's push for downstream processing, backed by export bans on raw ores, is transforming the nation into a hub for refined cobalt products. This shift is attracting investments from South Korean and European firms, eager to secure supplies amid U.S.-China trade tensions.

On the regulatory front, the European Union's Critical Raw Materials Act, effective from mid-2025, mandates that 10% of cobalt used in the bloc must come from recycled sources by 2030, with traceability requirements kicking in immediately. This has prompted miners to invest in recycling partnerships, such as Umicore's collaboration with African producers to process end-of-life batteries. In the U.S., the Inflation Reduction Act's extensions are funneling billions into domestic cobalt exploration, benefiting companies like Jervois Global, which operates the Idaho Cobalt Operations. Jervois reported a production milestone of 500 tonnes in July, with plans to scale up to 2,000 tonnes by 2027.

Geopolitical factors continue to influence the sector. Tensions in the DRC, including sporadic unrest in mining regions, have led to temporary halts at some artisanal sites, tightening short-term supply. Meanwhile, China's dominance in cobalt refining—controlling over 80% of global capacity—remains a point of contention, with Western governments pushing for alternative supply chains. Reports from industry think tanks suggest that by 2030, non-Chinese refining could account for 30% of the market, up from 15% today, driven by investments in Australia, Canada, and Morocco.

Looking ahead, forecasts from organizations like the International Energy Agency predict cobalt demand to double by 2030, reaching 300,000 tonnes annually, fueled by EV growth and energy storage applications. However, supply is expected to keep pace, potentially leading to a balanced market unless major disruptions occur. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are increasingly pivotal, with miners adopting certifications like the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) to attract premium pricing.

In Africa, beyond the DRC, projects in Zambia and Madagascar are progressing. CMOC Group's Tenke Fungurume mine in the DRC hit a record 18,000 tonnes of cobalt in the first half of 2025, but faced scrutiny over water pollution allegations, prompting a $50 million environmental remediation fund. In Zambia, First Quantum Minerals is exploring cobalt potential at its Kansanshi mine, with initial assays showing viable grades.

Australian firm Ardea Resources announced a resource upgrade at its Goongarrie project, boosting indicated cobalt resources to 20,000 tonnes, with a pre-feasibility study due in Q4. This could add another layer to Australia's cobalt narrative, emphasizing ethical and low-emission production.

In the battery recycling space, companies like Redwood Materials are partnering with miners to close the loop, recycling cobalt from spent batteries and feeding it back into the supply chain. July saw Redwood secure a deal with a major U.S. automaker for 5,000 tonnes of recycled cobalt over five years.

Overall, July 2025 underscores the cobalt industry's maturation, with a blend of innovation, expansion, and adaptation to global demands. Investors should monitor price trends, regulatory evolutions, and technological advancements, as these will shape the sector's trajectory. While challenges persist, the push towards sustainable energy positions cobalt miners as vital contributors to a greener future. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full Seeking Alpha Article at:
[ https://seekingalpha.com/article/4804411-cobalt-miners-news-july-2025 ]