Prelims 2023 · Geography · Question 37
About three-fourths of world's cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by
Answer
The Democratic Republic of the Congo
- (a) Argentina: Argentina is important for lithium, not cobalt. It is not the source of about three-fourths of world cobalt production. Verdict: Incorrect.
- (b) Botswana: Botswana is known more for diamonds and some base metals; it is not the dominant global cobalt producer. Verdict: Incorrect.
- (c) The Democratic Republic of the Congo: The DRC accounts for roughly 70% or more of global cobalt mine production, often described as about three-fourths. Verdict: Correct.
- (d) Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan is known for uranium and other minerals, but not as the leading cobalt producer. Verdict: Incorrect.