Cobalt resources in Europe and the potential for new discoveries

Global demand for cobalt is increasing rapidly as we transition to a low-carbon economy. In order ensure secure and sustainable supplies of this critical metal there considerable interest in Europe understanding the availability from indigenous resources. This study reviews information on resources evaluates potential additional discoveries. Based published survey national mineral resource agencies, 509 cobalt-bearing deposits occurrences have been identified 25 countries Europe. Harmonised resources, classified using United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC), estimated 151 12 where data are available. The calculated total comprises 1 342 649 tonnes contained metal. includes: 114 638 commercial projects with current extraction; 370 409 potentially projects; 111 107 historic estimates compliant modern reporting; 746 495 non-compliant estimates. Analysis these reveals that widely distributed across several different types. mine production dominated by stratiform sediment-hosted copper deposits, magmatic nickel-copper nickel laterite but other deposit types may also be significantly enriched cobalt. Europe, derived three mines Finland: sulfide at Kevitsa; Kylylahti volcanogenic massive (VMS) affinity; black shale-hosted Sotkamo (Talvivaara). has 104 currently being explored cobalt, which 79 located Finland, Norway Sweden. Fennoscandian Shield Caledonian Belt high priority exploration terrains variety notably Ni-Cu-Co deposits. Svecofennian, Sveconorwegian orogenies Fennoscandia resulted formation cobalt-enriched These include chiefly metasediment- metavolcanic-hosted Co-Cu-Au, VMS, skarn polymetallic vein Kupferschiefer Poland Germany Cu some similarities Central African Copperbelt, predominant global producer. However, grade relatively low (0.005–0.008% Co) not economic exploit without significant improvement extraction technology. Balkans Turkey grades tonnages known 27 containing more than 10 000 Only recovered new processing technologies such high-pressure acid leaching could enable recovery future. Small European producers Today most uneconomic, drive towards locally-sourced raw materials make them viable future sources Our analysis suggests geological problem. many economic, technological, environmental social challenges will overcome become commercial.