Cobalt; mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy, unwrought cobalt, powders

HS code 810520 covers a range of cobalt-related products, including cobalt mattes, other intermediate cobalt metallurgy products, unwrought cobalt, and cobalt powders. Cobalt is a critical metal with diverse industrial applications, from superalloys and batteries to catalysts and pigments. As a key component in many high-tech and green energy technologies, the cobalt industry plays a vital role in the broader global economy.

Cobalt is primarily produced through the processing of cobalt-containing ores and concentrates. The main production techniques involve roasting, smelting, and refining processes to extract and purify the cobalt metal. Hydrometallurgical methods, such as leaching and solvent extraction, are also used to recover cobalt from various feedstocks, including mine tailings and recycled materials.

The production of cobalt products under HS code 810520 requires several key inputs, including cobalt-bearing ores and concentrates, reducing agents (e.g., coal, coke), fluxing materials, and various chemicals and reagents used in the refining and processing stages. Specialized equipment, such as furnaces, reactors, and separation units, are also essential for the efficient extraction and purification of cobalt.

The main outputs of the cobalt industry under HS code 810520 are unwrought cobalt, cobalt powders, and various intermediate cobalt products, such as cobalt mattes and cobalt salts. These outputs are then consumed by a wide range of downstream industries, including 810530 Cobalt; unwrought, powders, 810590 Cobalt; articles thereof, n.e.c. in heading no. 8105, and 282200 Cobalt oxides and hydroxides; commercial cobalt oxides, among others.