Indonesia Entered the List of the World's Largest Cobalt Producers in 2022, What Was Its Ranking?

Cobalt is a key raw material for electric vehicle batteries. This metal is poised to become a new Indonesian star, given the government's ambition to develop a domestic electric vehicle ecosystem.

According to a report by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), global cobalt production in 2022 is estimated at 190,000 metric tons. This is an increase compared to the previous year's 165,000 metric tons.

The Congo was the world's largest cobalt producer in 2022, reaching 130,000 metric tons, or 68.42% of total global cobalt production. Cobalt production in the Congo increased from 119,000 metric tons in 2021.

Indonesia ranked second with a total cobalt production of 10,000 metric tons in 2022. This is up from 2,700 metric tons the previous year.

“Global cobalt mine and refinery production is expected to increase to a record high in 2022. The increase in mine production is mainly in the Congo (Kinshasa) and in Indonesia, where new mines and processing projects have begun production,” according to the USGS report.

Below Indonesia, Russia produced 8,900 metric tons of cobalt. This is followed by Australia and Canada with cobalt production of 5,900 metric tons and 3,900 metric tons respectively.

The following is a list of the world's largest cobalt producing countries in 2022:

1. Congo: 130,000 metric tons
2. Indonesia: 10,000 metric tons
3. Russia: 8,900 metric tons
4. Australia: 5,900 metric tons
5. Canada: 3,900 metric tons
6. Cuba: 3,800 metric tons
7. Philippines: 3,800 metric tons
8. Madagascar: 3,000 metric tons
9. Papua New Guinea: 3,000 metric tons
10. Turkey: 2,700 metric tons
11. Morocco: 2,300 metric tons
12. China: 2,200 metric tons
13. United States: 800 metric tons

Global cobalt reserves are estimated at 8.3 million metric tons in 2022. Not only is it a leading producer, the Congo also holds the world's largest cobalt reserves, reaching 4 million metric tons.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's cobalt reserves ranked third in the world last year at 600,000 metric tons.