While Chinese companies are investing billions of dollars to build new cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of a broader effort to control the global electric vehicle battery market, they’re also moving fast to develop new batteries that, in the future, won’t rely on the costly and controversial blue metal.
The fact that 68% of the world’s cobalt supply is concentrated in the DR Congo is problematic because it’s never a good idea to rely on a single country, especially one that is so poorly governed, for a strategically vital commodity.
Lead the Conversation on China
Subscribe Today to Get Full Access to The China-Global South Project
Monthly
$19.00 / monthly
Cancel Anytime - Renews Monthly
Save 17%
Best Value
Yearly
$228.00
$199.00 / yearly
Renews Yearly
Check Out Everything You'll Get With Your Subscription
The China-Global South Daily Brief delivered to your inbox at 6AM Washington time
Full access to exclusive news and analysis from editors based in the Global South
Students and teachers with a valid .edu email address are eligible for a 50% discount off monthly or yearly subscriptions. Email us to receive a discount code.
The Chinese copper and gold mining giant Zijin Mining Group Co. took investors by surprise last week when it bought the Canadian company Neo Lithium Corp.’s South American lithium mining assets for $770 million. ...
Disruptions caused by COVID-19 lockdowns in China, the Ukraine war and the ongoing crisis at the South African port of Durban are roiling the strategic battery sector, used for e-vehicles. While prices are falling in the ...
Two mining majors, one from China and the other from Australia, are fighting a pitched battle over a 15% share of the massive Manono lithium mine in the southern Democratic Republic of the Congo. ...
The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.
News
A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.
Analysis
Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.
Networking
A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.
We use cookies on our website to remember your login status and manage your subscription access. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.