Canada and Australia account for about another 10 per cent, producing cobalt as a by-product of nickel.

"We produce oil and cobalt."

Chemaf was planning to commission a new SX/EW plant in 2009 with 6,000 tonnes/year capacity to produce refined cobalt.

Mopani Mines produces and sells copper and cobalt to the international market being one of the biggest mines and exporters in the world.

In addition to copper, the mine also produces cobalt and uranium.

But, confounding the doomsayers, Kolwezi's mines now produce as much copper and cobalt under African management as under European management.

Cobalt was extracted especially in Schneeberg, and processed in the state paintworks to produce cobalt blue paints and dyes.

The mine produced copper and cobalt between 1902 and 1968.

Sherritt produces nickel, cobalt, ammonia, sulphuric acid, and ammonium sulphate at its Fort Saskatchewan facility.

Mines produce gold, silver, zinc, cobalt and nickel.