COBALT MINING IN KOLWEZI AND LUBUMBASHI

Cobalt is primarily used in lithium-ion batteries, and in the manufacture of magnetic, wear-resistant and high-strength alloys. The compounds cobalt silicate and cobalt(II) aluminate (CoAl₂O₄, cobalt blue) give a distinctive deep blue color to glass, ceramics, inks, paints and varnishes.

Cobalt is an important source of gamma-rays. It is widely used in cancer treatment, as a tracer and for radiotherapy. Cobalt is found in the minerals cobaltite, skutterudite and erythrite. Important ore deposits are found in DR Congo