Is cobalt still gonna be a commodity in the next decades?

In this episode of the Dig Deep Podcast, Rob talks to Lance, Peter, and Yves from Cobalt Blockchain Inc. They discuss the importance of cobalt, the current political situation of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and everything you need to know about their company. Another interesting thing you’ll hear today is how they ensure that during the process, the sourcing remains ethical and that the safety of the workers is prioritised.

This is part of a special where companies can promote themselves and showcase their projects. So, make sure to watch out for the next episodes!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Cobalt Blockchain has been based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for over 12 years. They initially discovered two million oz. of gold in DRC. And, for the last 4 years, they’re exploring commodity trading. They’ve been resourcing and exporting tin, tantalum, and tungsten.
• Cobalt Blockchain wants to make sure that the minerals that tech and automobile companies are procuring are sourced ethically. There should be no children working in the mine sites and there should be a basic workplace safety guideline in place among others.
• Why cobalt? Cobalt is one of the most supplied minerals on the planet. 70% of it comes from DRC. It wasn’t until the electronic vehicles were introduced that cobalt surfaced as a commodity. By 2040, it might be hard to buy combustion engines as e-vehicles develop.
• There have been improvements in terms of the political situation in DRC. It still is an attractive country to be working in. Even the existing mining code has been updated ever since.
• Cobalt Blockchain can provide mineral providence and visibility in the supply chain. It can really demonstrate its value in the mining industry.
• The company is working with artisanal miners that focus on the high-grade near surface mineralization. This is to ensure that there is certainty of supply.

BEST MOMENTS

• "DRC currently represents about 70% of the world’s supply of cobalt.”
• “The objective this year is to turn our cobalt hydroxide plant and start to bring the first ethically sourced cobalt."
• “For 2019, change is coming… I think it’s gonna be a positive year. We’re looking forward to the first hundred days of the president.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

• Endeavor Conference
• Cobalt Blockchain Inc.
• Industry giants fail to tackle child labour allegations in cobalt battery supply chains | Amnesty International

ABOUT THE GUEST

Lance Hooper is the President & Chief Operating Officer/Director of Cobalt Blockchain Inc.

For the past twenty years Lance has developed a broad range of experience in emerging companies where he has played key roles as both an early employee and as a founder.

Lance is a named inventor and has been intimately involved with the product development, business development, and sales and marketing of several commercially successful innovations including the world’s first interbank email money transfer service.

For the last decade Lance has held senior corporate positions and served as a director with private and public mining companies working in Canada, Peru, Afghanistan and the DRC. Recent work in the DRC includes Kilo Goldmines, a 2Moz gold discovery in the Oriental Province.

Lance was most recently President & CEO of Belair African Metals, acquired by COBC, specializing in conflict free tin, tantalum and tungsten concentrates in the DRC.

Peter Hooper - Chief Executive Officer / Director

Peter is a graduate in mining engineering with 45+ years of broad‐based experience permitting, building, and operating mines, including hands‐on expertise in mine management, engineering, operations and production.

His practical work experience spans five continents: North America (Eldorado Nuclear, Sherritt Gordon, J.S. Redpath, Dynatec Engineering, PC Gold); Africa (Rustenburg Platinum, Consolidated Murchison, Prestea Gold Mines, Kilo Gold Mines, PMI Resources, and Nevsun Resources); China (Afcan Mining); Australia (Consolidated Rio Australia); and South America (Latin Gold, Macusani Yellowcake). Peter was the driving force behind a 2Moz gold discovery in NE DRC (2006-2012).

Peter served as the Executive Chairman of Belair African Metals - recently acquired by COBC - with operations in Katanga and Maniema provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Yves Kabongo - Managing Director of DRC Operations

Yves Kabongo started his career at a major Financial Institution as an Analyst and has spent the past 8 years involved with junior mining companies with projects located in Canada, Peru and the DRC. 

Yves has been with Belair African Metals SARL (acquired by Peat Resources as announced on January 19, 2018) for the past 3 years, and is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the project.

Source: https://www.cobaltblockchain.net/company

ABOUT THE HOST

Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight to people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.

Rob is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from the first world to third world countries from Africa, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia. We source, headhunt and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients’ organisation in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace.

CONTACT METHOD

• Email Rob at rob@mining-international.org
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