Cobalt production primarily involves extracting cobalt from ores, often in conjunction with other metals like copper and nickel. The largest producers of cobalt are found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which accounts for a significant portion of the world's supply. Cobalt is typically obtained through mining processes, including both underground and open-pit mining. Once extracted, cobalt is refined to remove impurities and produce high-purity cobalt products. These refined products are essential for various applications, particularly in the production of lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in electric vehicles and portable electronics. The demand for cobalt continues to grow as technology advances.