Cobalt Production & Supply Risks: The Rare Metal Behind Synthetic Gosu
The vivid blue of Arita ware (Cobalt Blue). Its source, "Synthetic Gosu," was developed in the early Meiji period by Heizaemon Fukaumi and others under the guidance of the German chemist Dr. Gottfried Wagener.
However, today, its main ingredient, "Cobalt," is a Rare Metal facing fierce global competition.
In this article, we explain the production areas of cobalt, the lifeblood of synthetic Gosu, and the geopolitical risks involved.
[Conclusion] Cobalt is becoming "Blue Gold"
- Cobalt is a rare metal and is difficult to mine on its own.
- About 50% of the world's reserves and 70% of production are concentrated in one country: the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Due to the rapid increase in demand for EVs (Electric Vehicles), securing cobalt for pottery is becoming more difficult every year.
1. What is the Rare Metal "Cobalt"?
Cobalt (Co) is the element with atomic number 27.
Its name comes from the German word "Kobold" (goblin/sprite), but in modern industry, it is an essential resource often called the "Vitamin of Industry."
Why is it a Rare Metal?
Rare metals are defined as metals that "exist in small quantities on Earth" or are "technically and economically difficult to extract."
Cobalt rarely forms deposits on its own and is mostly found within the following minerals:
Main Cobalt Ores
- Cobaltite (CoAsS): Sulfide and arsenide of cobalt
- Heterogenite (CoO(OH)): Hydrated cobalt oxide
- Linnaeite (CoCo2S4): Sulfide of cobalt and nickel
- Smaltite ((Co,Ni)As3-X): Cobalt arsenide
These are produced as "by-products" when mining copper, copper-nickel, and nickel.
Because supply depends on the price and demand of the main products (like copper), stable supply is difficult to maintain.
Uses other than Pottery (Impact of the EV Shift)
Besides pottery (Gosu), cobalt is used for:
- Lithium-ion batteries (Cathode materials): Smartphones, PCs, and Electric Vehicles (EVs)
- Special steels & Superalloys: Jet engines, cutting tools
- Magnets: Powerful permanent magnets (Samarium-Cobalt magnets)
In particular, the shift to EVs has caused an explosive increase in battery demand.
Cobalt for pottery is exposed to competition from these massive industries.
2. Uneven Distribution: Dependence on the DR Congo
The biggest problem with cobalt is that its production areas are extremely concentrated.
Let's look at data from JOGMEC (Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation).
World Reserves (2021)
As shown in the graph, about half (48%) of the world's reserves are in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa.
This is followed by Australia (20%) and Cuba (7%).
World Mine Production (2021)
As for production, the Congo alone accounts for about 70% of the world total.
Because reliance on a specific country is high, the world faces the risk (country risk) that global cobalt supply could stop if local political instability or export restrictions occur.
Summary: Treasuring the Precious "Blue"
The synthetic Gosu we usually use is a precious resource that has traveled a long way from mines on the other side of the earth.
In the future, obtaining cobalt may become increasingly difficult.
Fukaumi Shouten continues to protect this precious "Arita Blue" by utilizing cobalt procurement routes that have continued since the Meiji era and long-term stockpiling and management know-how.
Our Gosu is a gift from the earth that cannot be wasted even by a single drop.
"Synthetic Gosu" made from precious resources
As descendants of the developers, Fukaumi Shouten responsibly manages quality.
We deliver top quality that requires no grinding.
Source: JOGMEC Mineral Resources Material Flow 2021
Reference: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Rare Metal Selection Criteria
