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2025年中国钴精矿‌行业产业链、发展现状、进出口情况及发展趋势研判:进口结构深度调整,多元布局驱动钴业新程[图]
Chan Ye Xin Xi Wang·2025-08-05 01:14

Core Insights - Cobalt concentrate is a critical raw material in the cobalt industry, with significant implications in sectors like new energy and aerospace, and is undergoing a transition towards technology-driven and green low-carbon development [1][4][22] - China heavily relies on imports for cobalt resources, with over 90% of its supply coming from abroad, leading to a pronounced supply-demand imbalance exacerbated by export bans from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) [1][4][12] - Major Chinese companies like Luoyang Molybdenum and Huayou Cobalt are adopting "going out" strategies to secure overseas resources, aiming to build a dual-circulation supply chain [1][16][20] Cobalt Concentrate Industry Overview - Cobalt concentrate is produced through the beneficiation of primary cobalt ores or associated minerals, typically increasing cobalt content to 15%-25%, and can be categorized into three types based on chemical composition: sulfide, oxide, and mixed [2][4] - The cobalt industry is recognized as a strategic mineral, essential for national industrial security and economic resilience, particularly in the context of the growing demand for electric vehicle batteries and high-end manufacturing [4][12] Development Background of China's Cobalt Concentrate Industry - Cobalt's strategic importance is underscored by its inclusion in the national strategic mineral directory, with policies promoting its use in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems [4][5] - The Chinese government is implementing policies to enhance resource security, including resource tax reforms and support for overseas mining projects, to address domestic cobalt resource scarcity [4][5] Industry Chain of China's Cobalt Concentrate - The industry chain is characterized by heavy reliance on imports for upstream resources, advanced smelting technology in the midstream, and rapid expansion of downstream applications, particularly in electric vehicle batteries [6][12] - The recycling of cobalt is becoming increasingly important, with recycled cobalt accounting for 18% of the supply, contributing to a circular economy [6][12] Current Status of China's Cobalt Concentrate Industry - China's cobalt production is constrained by limited domestic resources, with annual output hovering between 0.2 to 0.3 million tons, resulting in a self-sufficiency rate of less than 10% [12][14] - The demand for cobalt is surging, particularly from the electric vehicle sector, which is expected to drive the market size to exceed 100 billion yuan [12][14] Competitive Landscape of China's Cobalt Concentrate Industry - The competitive landscape features leading companies like Luoyang Molybdenum and Huayou Cobalt dominating resource control and full industry chain integration, while smaller firms focus on niche markets [20][21] - Foreign companies are deepening their local presence through technology partnerships and investments, particularly in high-end applications [20][21] Future Trends in China's Cobalt Concentrate Industry - The industry is evolving towards diversified resource security, high-end technological breakthroughs, and structured market upgrades, with a focus on overseas resource control and recycling [22][23] - Technological advancements in hydrometallurgy and the development of high-end cobalt materials are expected to reshape the industry's value distribution [23][24] - The demand structure is shifting, with electric vehicles remaining the primary growth driver, while energy storage and high-end industrial applications are emerging as new growth areas [24][25]