The Mining Executive

Is the Cobalt market on the edge of a tipping point?

The winds are shifting in the cobalt landscape—and fast.

A new industry outlook suggests the cobalt market could swing from surplus to deficit by the early 2030s, with EV demand as the main driving force.

Let that sink in: by 2030, EVs alone could account for more than half of all cobalt consumption—up from 43% just last year. That is not just growth but it is a transformation.

Meanwhile, cobalt supply is growing but not fast enough. The DRC, which has long dominated global production, may see its share dip as Indonesia ramps up its output. But even that shift may not be enough to keep pace with the surge in demand.

Here is where it gets interesting: despite a surplus of 36,000 tons this year, the recent DRC export ban has already caused a sharp rebound in prices—up 60% to $16/lb. That is a clear sign of how volatile and sensitive this market is becoming.

The big question now is:
●Are we ready for the cobalt crunch?

●How will battery producers and EV manufacturers adapt?

●Can alternative chemistries or recycling scale fast enough to cushion the impact?

●And how will this shift reshape global supply chains?

●What strategies should industry leaders be considering now to stay ahead of this turning tide?

We would love to hear your thoughts!

The toughest challenges often lead to the greatest rewards. Belief fuels action, and action fuels success!

If we dare to see the impossible as possible, we unlock new frontiers in innovation, sustainability, and resilience.

Happy New Week Mining Pros🖤

After more than a decade at the helm, Neal Froneman is set to bow out as Sibanye-Stillwater's CEO.

From bold acquisitions to industry-shaping leadership, his legacy is undeniable. He transformed the company into a global mining powerhouse.

We wish him the very best in his next chapter!

What is next for Sibanye-Stillwater?





Sibanye-Stillwater Neal Froneman Maphai.

Neal Froneman bows out after more than a decade at Sibanye-Stillwater. When Neal Froneman took the helm at Sibanye-Stillwater in 2013, the company was a struggling collection of aging gold mines spun off from Gold Fields. Few could have predicted that a decade later, it would be a global mining powerhouse, spanning plat