Skutterudite (cobalt-nickel-arsenide) from Morocco. Courtesy of the Laboratory for Material Culture Studies, Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University.
Product made with cobalt: rechargeable speaker
Skutterudite is a mineral that contains cobalt, nickel and arsenic. It is an important source of cobalt, which is commonly used in lithium-ion batteries, magnets and heat-resistant alloys. Given its arsenic content, skutterudite is toxic, so all mining and processing must be done with great care. Other cobalt-rich minerals are mined mainly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where such operations are associated with serious human rights violations. Sustainable alternatives, such as cobalt-free batteries and recycling, are being developed to reduce our dependence on cobalt and arsenic.
Skutterudite
