Chile Aims to Become World’s Second Largest Cobalt Producer: Transforming Mining Waste into “Blue Gold”
Amid a global shift toward clean energy and advanced technologies, Chile is positioning itself as a future leader in cobalt production—transforming mining tailings into a strategic resource. With innovative bioleaching techniques and one of the largest potential reserves outside Africa, the country aims to produce up to 15,000 tonnes of cobalt annually. The Green Cobalt project not only supports sustainable mining and circular economy goals, but also promises regional development, job creation, and a new source of export revenue exceeding US$1.1 billion per year.