Technology is fueling the growing demand for the once-obscure element cobalt

The recent discovery of a massive trove of rare earth elements off the coast of Japan may bring relief to fears of shortages of the key elements used in an array of technological devices, including cellphones, cars and defense systems.

But rare earths are just some of the elements increasingly sought after as more of the world becomes increasingly flush with technology.

For example, the once little-known element cobalt is rapidly rising in price, and some warn shortages could hit the metal in the future.

The proliferation of lithium-ion batteries, of which cobalt is a key ingredient, in electronics and electrified vehicles is the chief factor fueling this rise in price and concerns among companies over the security of their supplies.

Prices for the metal more than doubled in 2017 over the previous year, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Some companies have responded to the jump by looking for ways to secure stocks for their own supply chains. Apple is reportedly trying to procure its cobalt directly from miners. Automakers such as BMW and Volkswagen have also reportedly been taking similar steps.

Demand for cobalt in vehicle battery materials is expected to grow more than 40 percent in 2018, according to U.K.-based cobalt trading firm Darton Commodities. Electric and hybrid vehicle adoption in China and Europe are projected to be significant contributors, and the production ramp of the Tesla Model 3 is expected to be the major driver of EV adoption in the U.S., Darton said in its annual Cobalt Market Review report published in February.

Click to view all articles for the EPIC:
Or click to view the full company profile:
    Facebook
    Twitter
    LinkedIn
    anglo pacific group plc

    More articles like this

    anglo pacific group plc

    Silver price ‘set to top $20’

    Silver prices rose on Monday while gold edged higher and European stock markets bounced, shrugging off concerns about a further acceleration of the global Coronavirus pandemic despite mixed economic news, writes Atsuko Whitehouse at BullionVault.  Shares in

    anglo pacific group plc

    Can copper protect against the new coronavirus?

    Over the past few months, there has been a surge in the market for materials laced with copper—including face masks, bedsheets, and socks—with manufacturers touting the metal’s germ-killing ability. But experts say consumers should be cautious,

    anglo pacific group plc

    Emerging technologies to drive silver demand

    The price of silver soared in May, jumping more than 19% on safe haven demand as well as increased expectations of a swift economic recovery, given its many industrial applications. Not only was this silver’s best month since

    anglo pacific group plc

    EVs will drive demand for nickel sulfate over the next decade

    In a newly-released report on the nickel sulfate industry, Roskill forecasts that the expanding EV industry will become the key driver of growth in nickel demand. In the past, the market for nickel sulfate was largely driven by the plating

    anglo pacific group plc

    Gold prices settle 1% higher

    Gold prices settled higher Tuesday as global equities staged a modest retreat after being buoyant for weeks on the back of the reopening of economies stricken by the coronavirus pandemic. Prices for the precious metals found

    anglo pacific group plc

    Silver on the cusp of a huge breakout

    Next to gold, silver is the most malleable and ductile metal. Throughout history, this has made it an ideal tool for artisans to create symbols of wealth and prestige, forging it to fit any shape or

    anglo pacific group plc

    Here’s Why Silver is a Unique Investment Hedge in 2020

    Max Greb, a Shanghai-based portfolio manager at Olivar & Greb Capital Management, has extensive experience in professional investment and wealth management consulting for individuals and families. When time permits, he shares his insight in this column

    anglo pacific group plc

    Gold gains as U.S.-China tensions lift safe-haven demand

    Gold prices rose on Friday, following a sharp decline in the previous session, as escalating trade tensions between the United States and China lifted bullion’s safe-haven appeal, though a stronger dollar kept gains in check. Spot

    anglo pacific group plc

    The history and value of gold

    Gold has emerged as one of the best performing asset class in 2020, gaining 15% year to date with prices hitting all time high in India. These gains are special as it has come after a

    anglo pacific group plc

    Silver futures rise on spot demand

    Silver prices on Monday rose 0.42 per cent to Rs 41,410 per kg in futures trade as participants widened their bets on firm spot demand. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver contracts for May delivery gained

    anglo pacific group plc

    Silver futures rise on spot demand

    Silver prices on Monday rose 0.42 per cent to Rs 42,227 per kg in futures trade as participants widened their bets on firm spot demand. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver contracts for May delivery gained

    anglo pacific group plc

    Silver futures up 2.46%

    Silver prices touched Rs 42,710 per kg on April 23 as participants increased their long positions. According to Silver Institute’s World Silver Survey 2020 report, rising demand for bar and coin from investors will offset the

    anglo pacific group plc

    Anglo Pacific mines a stream of dividends

    Anglo Pacific is a one-off in this country. It is the only listed business focused on mining royalties – which means the group provides cash to miners in return for a slice of their revenues.  Some