More than half of the world’s cobalt resources are located in the DRC, and over 70% of the world’s cobalt mining occurs there. Artisanal miners produce 20% of the country’s cobalt output. The remainder comes from foreign-owned firms, primarily Chinese, whose rechargeable battery industry accounts for around 60% of global cobalt demand. Cobalt is an essential raw material used by large tech companies for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, electronic devices, and electric cars. However, the DRC’s

Cobalt Blue is a vibrant, rich pigment with a storied history. Jean-Antoine Chaptal (a minister appointed to first consul Napoleon Bonaparte) commissioned a chemist by the name of Louis Thénard to develop affordable blue colouring materials. Its sister pigment, Cobalt Blue Deep, was developed with a darker, red shade and powerful granulating properties. It has since become a popular choice among artists, known for its versatility, durability and rich colour. | Winsor & Newton