Recycled Cobalt Market Size is valued at USD 1.46 Bn in 2024 and is predicted to reach USD 4.72 Bn by the year 2034 at a 12.8% CAGR during the forecast period for 2025-2034.
Recycled cobalt refers to cobalt that has been extracted from used goods or waste materials and has been processed for reuse, which helps with sustainable resource management. Cobalt is a vital metal that is mostly used in lithium-ion batteries, alloys, and electronic components. It is highly sought after because of its use in energy storage systems, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs), smartphones, and power tools. Recycled cobalt protects supply chains, lessens environmental effects, and reduces the need for mining. Recycling cobalt is mostly used in the production of batteries, where it improves the energy density and longevity of lithium-ion batteries.
Moreover, it is crucial in the production of superalloys, which are necessary for high-performance applications in the aerospace and defense industries. The growing need for sustainable practices across a range of industries, especially electronics and electric cars, is propelling the recycled cobalt market's rapid evolution. Stricter laws governing mining operations, growing consumer consciousness of sustainable sourcing, and developments in recycling technology that improve cobalt recovery efficiency are further elements driving this rise. By 2033, the recycled cobalt market could approach USD 5 billion, reflecting the increased emphasis on circular economy concepts. Government programs that encourage the use of recycled materials and lessen dependency on virgin cobalt sources are supporting this trend.
However, the process of recycling cobalt can be complicated because advanced technology and specialized facilities are required. Because of the expenses involved in gathering, sorting, and processing materials for cobalt recovery, recycled cobalt may not be as competitive as newly mined cobalt. This can hinder the growth of the market. Furthermore, improvements in recycling technologies are increasing the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of cobalt recovery. Higher recovery rates are made possible by new processes, including hydrometallurgical techniques and direct recycling of battery materials, which make the recycling process more feasible and scalable. By increasing the supply of recycled cobalt, this trend is fostering market expansion.
Competitive Landscape
Some Major Key Players In The Recycled Cobalt Market:
- Umicorе
- Miracle Automation Engineering
- Norilsk Nickеl
- Li-Cyclе Corp.
- Aqua Mеtals, Inc.
- Elеctra Battеry Matеrials Corporation
- Redwood Materials
- GEM
- Huayou Holding Group
- CNGR Advanced Material
- Glеncorе Intеrnational AG
- BRUNP RECYCLING
- Guangdong Guanghua Sci-Tech
- Ganzhou Highpower Technology
- TES
- Other Market Players
Market Segmentation:
The Recycled Cobalt market is segmented based on Rеcycling Tеchnology, Sourcе, Application, and End-user. Based on Rеcycling Tеchnology, the market is segmented into Dirеct Rеcycling, Hydromеtallurgical Procеssеs, Pyromеtallurgical Procеssеs, and Mеchanical Procеssеs. By Sourcе, the market is segmented into End-of-Lifе Battеriеs, Elеctronics Wastе, Industrial Scrap, Mining and Rеfining. By Application, the market is segmented into Elеctric Vеhiclе Battеriеs, Aеrospacе and Dеfеnsе Alloys, Consumеr Еlеctronics, and Enеrgy Storagе Systеms. By End-user, the market is segmented into Elеctronics & Appliancеs, Automotivе, Aеrospacе, and Enеrgy & Powеr.
Based On The Rеcycling Tеchnology, The Hydromеtallurgical Procеssеs Segment Is Accounted As A Major Contributor To The Recycled Cobalt Market
The Hydromеtallurgical Procеssеs category is expected to hold very large global market share in 2024 as a result of the increased demand for hydrometallurgical techniques, which are ideal for meeting expanding demand because they offer higher recovery rates, are more environmentally friendly, and are effective at extracting cobalt from complex materials like battery waste. This technique makes a substantial contribution to the recycling industries in North America and Europe.
End-Of-Lifе Battеriеs Segment To Witness Growth At A Rapid Rate
The largest source is end-of-life batteries, particularly those found in consumer electronics and electric cars, which are recycled cobalt. Because of growing battery disposal and e-waste recycling programs, these batteries account for more than 60% of recovered cobalt worldwide. Tailings and slags from cobalt mining operations are among the mining waste that makes up around 15% of the recycled supply. Even if the yield is less efficient, this source is becoming more and more feasible due to developments in extraction methods. When combined, these resources are essential for enhancing sustainability and lowering dependency on primary cobalt mining.
In The Region, The North American Recycled Cobalt Market Holds A Significant Revenue Share
The North American Recycled Cobalt market is expected to register the highest market share in revenue in the near future due to growing interest in sustainable practices and the electric vehicle (EV) sector's increasing demand. The North American area is well-positioned to maintain its leading position in the recycled cobalt industry as the market develops thanks to innovation, wise investments, and a strong dedication to sustainability. In addition, Europe is projected to grow rapidly in the global Recycled Cobalt market. The region's strong electronics manufacturing sector, large investments in renewable energy technology, and quickly expanding electric vehicle (EV) market all contribute to its significance. Furthermore, the Europe region's focus on R&D, together with supportive government regulations and incentives for the adoption of EVs, increases demand for recycled cobalt.
Recycled Cobalt Market Report Scope
Report Attribute |
Specifications |
Market Size Value In 2024 |
USD 1.46 Bn |
Revenue Forecast In 2034 |
USD 4.72 Bn |
Growth Rate CAGR |
CAGR of 12.8% from 2025 to 2034 |
Quantitative Units |
Representation of revenue in US$ Bn, Volume (KT) and CAGR from 2025 to 2034 |
Historic Year |
2021 to 2024 |
Forecast Year |
2025-2034 |
Report Coverage |
The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends |
Segments Covered |
By Type, Application |
Regional Scope |
North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa |
Country Scope |
U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; France; Italy; Spain; South East Asia; South Korea |
Competitive Landscape |
Umicorе, Miracle Automation Engineering, Norilsk Nickеl, Li-Cyclе Corp., Aqua Mеtals, Inc., Elеctra Battеry Matеrials Corporation, Redwood Materials, GEM, Huayou Holding Group, CNGR Advanced Material, Glеncorе Intеrnational AG, BRUNP RECYCLING, Guangdong Guanghua Sci-Tech, Ganzhou Highpower Technology, TES, and Others. |
Customization Scope |
Free customization report with the procurement of the report and modifications to the regional and segment scope. Particular Geographic competitive landscape. |
Pricing And Available Payment Methods |
Explore pricing alternatives that are customized to your particular study requirements. |