SALMON (KIVI TV) – An opening ceremony for a new cobalt mine was held near Salmon on Friday, marking a significant day for the metal’s domestic supply chain.
Australian mining company Jervois Global Limited has officially opened operations, but the mine will not operate at full capacity until the first quarter of 2023, according to Matt Lengerich, executive general manager of Idaho Cobalt Operations.
“When we start full operations, we will produce approximately 2000 tons of cobalt concentrate each year. So that’s enough for around 400,000 electric vehicles,” said Lengerich.
The mine is located on US Forest Service land approximately 40 miles west of Salmon and is on track to become the only primary cobalt operation in the country.
The Idaho Cobalt Belt presents an opportunity for American companies to more safely access the critical materials needed by various industries.
However, the current supply of the mineral used in electric vehicles, power generation and defense applications comes primarily from Africa and is processed and refined in China. The foreign missions have come under criticism for human rights violations. UNICEF estimates that thousands of children work in artisanal mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
According to Lengerich, the cobalt concentrate produced at the Jervois mine in Idaho will be shipped to Brazil for processing.
“Currently, there is no domestic cobalt refinery in the United States. At the moment, our only option is to take our cobalt concentrate overseas.”