Cobalt

My last post put Cobalt into a general value area. Now let's look at the supply/demand. This is tricky since it depends on a forecast of electric vehicle demand. Here's my best estimate. Just remember that this is subject to wide ranges.

'000 tonnes of refined metal equivalent
 

  2017 2025
DEMAND    
Batteries 38 117
Superalloys 35 44
Tools etc. 21 14
Others 42 48
Total 136 223
     
SUPPLY    
Existing Mines 120 110
New Glencore/ERG   44
Other New Mine   11
New Artisanal   12
Recycling 13 22
Total 133 199
     
BALANCE -3 -24

So there's about 24 K tonnes that has to be satisfied by new mines or additional recycling that have not yet been committed. I think that this can be done without a major price rise. OTOH, it's hard to see the price go down much unless there is a change in the EV outlook. If it did, the necessary new supply would evaporate.

My best guess is that Cobalt will move in a wide band for the next few years, with no major bull or bear market. We are probably near the bottom of the range.

Disclaimer: This is for education only. I am not recommending anyone follow me in any trading/investing I do. If you follow someone else's trades without doing your own research, you will ...

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Black Widow 4 years ago Member's comment

Where's your last article about cobalt?