Chan Ye Xin Xi Wang·2025-08-14 01:26Industry Overview - China is the largest producer and consumer of cobalt oxide globally, with a production of 9,500 tons in the first half of 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 40.69% [1][10] - The global demand for cobalt oxide is driven by the expected sales of over 18 million electric vehicles in 2025, with significant demand for high-purity cobalt oxide in the power battery sector, particularly for lithium cobalt oxide cathode materials [1][10] - The energy storage market is accelerating due to carbon neutrality goals, further increasing the demand for cobalt oxide [1][10] - Emerging consumer electronics, such as foldable smartphones and AR/VR devices, have increased the cobalt content per device by 40% compared to traditional models, creating additional demand [1][10] - Government policies, including the State Council's action plan for large-scale equipment updates and local support for new energy materials, provide long-term benefits for cobalt oxide applications in power batteries [1][10] Industry Chain - The upstream of the cobalt oxide industry chain includes cobalt mines, recycled materials, ammonium carbonate solution, and sulfuric acid, along with various production equipment [6] - The midstream involves the production and manufacturing of cobalt oxide, while the downstream applications include battery materials, pigments, ceramics, magnetic materials, catalysts, and consumer electronics [6] Market Dynamics - The global cobalt reserves are estimated at 11 million tons, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) holding 6 million tons, accounting for 55% of the total [8] - In 2024, global cobalt production is projected to reach approximately 291,300 tons, a year-on-year increase of 22.39%, with the DRC contributing 75.86% of the total production [8] - The DRC's export ban on cobalt has been extended, potentially leading to a supply shortage and increased cobalt prices, although Chinese companies are expected to maintain normal operations in the short term [8][12] Key Companies - Huayou Cobalt is a leading player in the industry, achieving a 40% self-sufficiency rate in raw materials through its control of six cobalt mines in the DRC [14] - Jinchuan Group holds a significant position in the cobalt oxide market due to its rich mineral resources and stable production capacity [14] - Greeenme has established a closed-loop business model for resource recovery, achieving over 99% cobalt recovery rates [14] Price Trends - Cobalt oxide prices in China have remained low due to declining cobalt prices and increasing production, but a rebound in cobalt prices following the DRC's export ban has led to a doubling of cobalt oxide prices [12] - As of June 2025, the price of cobalt oxide in China was 190,000 yuan per ton, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 51.39% [12] Industry Development Trends 1. Resource security and global layout are crucial for building a diversified supply system, with Chinese companies enhancing supply stability through overseas investments [19] 2. Technological breakthroughs are necessary to capture high-end markets, with innovations in cobalt oxide production processes and product purity requirements [20] 3. The industry is moving towards a low-carbon economy, emphasizing environmentally friendly production processes and recycling systems, particularly in response to stricter regulations [21]