JUNE 2025
Cobalt Institute
Global trade association promoting the sustainable and responsible use of cobalt in all forms
Director General Dinah McLeod shares an update on recent Cobalt Institute activity – including press coverage of a joint letter to the European Commission – and highlights an upcoming cobalt market webinar
Dear colleagues,
In June, the Cobalt Institute – alongside the Nickel Institute, International Lithium Association, and European Carbon and Graphite Association – submitted a joint letter to the European Commission, urging greater regulatory coherence to support Europe’s critical raw materials sector.
As highlighted in the Financial Times, our message is simple: if the EU is serious about strategic autonomy, it must create the right conditions for investment and growth in our industries. We continue to make the case for a risk-based, science-led approach to chemicals regulation - one that protects health and the environment without undermining Europe’s ability to secure the raw materials it needs for a net-zero future.
Earlier this month, I was pleased to join a panel on responsible mineral sourcing at Mineral-X, Silicon Valley’s premier critical minerals forum. It was a valuable opportunity to explore how public and private sector actors can work together to build secure, ethical supply chains.
Cobalt Institute colleagues also participated in leading events in two major cobalt producing countries – the DRC Mining Week in DR Congo, and the APNI ESG Forum and the SMM conference in Indonesia. Engaging in events like these shows how vital it is to be present, informed and collaborative in the places where decisions are made and futures are shaped. Thank you to all who connected with us - we look forward to continuing the conversation.
In that same spirit of collaboration, we’re proud to launch our new Downstream Engagement Group, a platform for companies across the value chain to connect, exchange insights and align approaches on shared challenges – starting with due diligence requirements under the EU Batteries Regulation.
Looking ahead, we’re hosting a webinar on 10 July to explore the findings of our 2024 Cobalt Market Report - a timely opportunity to reflect on what’s driving demand, and where the market is heading next. Needless to say, the recent developments on the cobalt export ban will also be on the agenda – do come prepared with questions for our experts!
As ever, thank you for your continued support and collaboration. Together, we can help shape a stronger, more sustainable future for the cobalt industry.
Yours,
Dinah
IN THE NEWS
Industry associations urge EU to align chemicals regulation with strategic raw materials goals
The Cobalt Institute, together with the Nickel Institute, International Lithium Association, and European Carbon and Graphite Association, has issued a joint letter to the European Commission, warning that regulatory uncertainty and inconsistent policymaking are deterring the investment needed to secure Europe’s raw material supply chains.
The letter, featured exclusively in the Financial Times, underscores a growing concern: cobalt, nickel, lithium, and graphite are vital to Europe’s clean energy transition, defence readiness, and industrial competitiveness - yet EU chemicals regulations risk undermining these strategic goals.
Key issues include:
In the letter, we urge the Commission to ensure coherence across regulations, grounded in scientific evidence and risk-based principles - creating a protective yet proportionate framework that supports both public health and Europe’s strategic autonomy.
The EU faces a clear choice: foster a strong, independent and competitive industrial base - or risk deindustrialisation, job losses and greater reliance on third-country supply chains.
Bringing the value chain together: Cobalt Institute launches Downstream Engagement Group
The Cobalt Institute is pleased to announce the launch of its new Downstream Engagement Group (DEG) – a dedicated platform connecting downstream cobalt users with producers, recyclers and traders across the global supply chain.
Designed to foster open dialogue, shared responsibility and a better understanding of cobalt industry dynamics, the DEG will create new opportunities for collaboration on key policy, regulatory, and sustainability issues. The goal? A more informed, aligned and resilient cobalt value chain.
The first DEG session takes place on 3 July, with a focus on the due diligence requirements of the EU Batteries Regulation. The session is open to downstream companies and Cobalt Institute members affected by the regulation, and will provide space to exchange views on interpretations, challenges and implementation strategies.
Participation is free and sessions will take place virtually and in-person around major industry events. All discussions will observe commercial confidentiality and anti-trust rules.
Register here or email Alec Popper at apopper@cobaltinstitute.org
#COBALTINSIGHTS
The latest #cobaltinsights video features Cobalt Institute’s Head of Communications, Marina Demidova, outlining the key themes that are shaping the cobalt market.
Follow the #CobaltInsights campaign on LinkedIn or YouTube to listen to cobalt industry experts answering key questions about cobalt's role in sustainability, supply chains, human health, and the energy transition.
EVENTS
Mining on Top Africa 2025 | 2-3 July, Paris
The Cobalt Institute’s Head of Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability, Susannah McLaren, will speak at under the theme "Partnering for prosperity: maximising the benefits of Africa's Geological Endowments".
Join the Cobalt Institute and Benchmark Mineral Intelligence for an expert-led discussion on the latest trends shaping the global cobalt market. Drawing on insights from the Cobalt Market Report 2024, this webinar will explore record-breaking demand, shifting supply dynamics, and cobalt’s continued role in EVs, defence, and clean technologies.