5 Best Places to Find Cobalt Metal Detecting

Ever thought of detecting cobalt with your metal detector? Unearth the unexpected in unlikely places. Let’s embark on this exciting journey, shall we?

Cobalt is one of the harder metals to find during metal detection. With its commercial value and economic importance, it is even harder to find by metal detecting. 

But these reasons haven’t been able to hinder my confidence and passion for finding cobalt with my metal detector. 

Any metal-detecting enthusiast would know, that to find the best possible metal, extensive research is needed before any metal-detecting operation. 

So as I did the research for metal detecting cobalt, I found these amazing places where even a beginner could easily find cobalt by metal detecting. So, let me share those places with you.

Best places to find cobalt metal detecting,

1. Idaho
2. Missouri
3. Alaska
4. California
5. Minnesota

But that’s just a quick snapshot.

So, in this article, I will explore each of the above best places to find cobalt metal detecting, explaining where to find cobalt exactly in these locations. 

Hang around till the end to learn more about these locations and how rare cobalt is to find by metal detecting. 

And for our international readers, there is a gift at the end too. Read through the article to unwrap the gift that is waiting for you. 

Just keep reading!

Best States In The USA to Find Cobalt by Metal Detecting

Cobalt is a very valuable metal in the international market. This is used in various processes to strengthen other metals. 

All around the world, there are only several cobalt reserves present. Due to this the economic value of this metal is very high. 

One of the reasons which affect the higher market prices of cobalt is, that it lies deep within the Earth’s crust. 

Which makes it harder to find and even when found, to excavate that reserve heavy machinery is required. 

Metal detectors are not able to find cobalt which is embedded deep within the earth’s core. 

But the beauty of mother nature is there are some places, where the reserve almost spikes up to the surface of the Earth, which is in the detectable depth of a metal detector. 

In the following locations, you will be able to find, deep cobalt reserves as well as places with surface cobalt reserves. 

Whichever the reserve might be, just like any other metal detecting operation, you should have proper clearances in terms of permissions to avoid any legal issues.  

1. Idaho

Known for its gems and valuable minerals, Idaho tops the list as the best state to find cobalt in the United States. 

There are few reserves of cobalt as well as few mines which are still operational and mining cobalt, present in the state of Idaho.

Among the multiple locations, 

Coeur d’Alene Mining District

This mining district is located in Northern Idaho and is a prominent producer of silver in the whole world.  

Among the ongoing silver mining operations, the mines have reported that they have found small deposits of cobalt among the silver. 

As cobalt is not the main target metal of these mines, I have a good belief there may be some untouched cobalt reserves in this district in Idaho. 

If you are a metal detector and are in the state of Idaho, I suggest you start your cobalt metal detecting journey from here. 

Blackbird District

This mining location is situated in the East central part of Idaho. In this location, the miners have found cobalt among gold and copper. 

This is also a good location if you are searching to start your cobalt metal detecting journey.

Lemhi County

There are multiple resources in terms of cobalt for a beginner to start their cobalt-detecting journey in Lemhi County, Idaho. 

This is also situated in East-Central Idaho spreading across a large area including the Rocky Mountains.

The Lemhi Pass which is situated in the Rocky Mountains has yielded cobalt for a long time.

These cobalt reserves are found among other valuable minerals like platinum and palladium.

Lemhi County is situated in a very interesting position regarding the distribution of Cobalt in nature. 

This count is situated right in the middle of a larger cobalt belt that runs to Montana through Idaho. 

Due to these reasons, there is active mining going on for cobalt to this day.

Blackbird Mine is one of the prominent cobalt producers in the state as well as in the country. 

Salmon-Challis National Forest

The Salmon-Challis National Forest is situated in central Idaho with a rich history of cobalt findings. 

The Ram Mine which is now abbreviated as the Idaho Cobalt Project is an upcoming and ongoing project for extracting cobalt from the earth’s crust. 

2. Missouri

With the world-renowned Gateway Arch in the state, Missouri offers a lot more to the metal detecting community other than just scenic beauty. 

There are abundant reserves recorded in the state of Missouri and here are some of the best locations to start detecting cobalt in the state of Missouri, 

Viburnum Trend

This is located in the southeast part of Missouri in Reynolds County. This is a significant lead-producing area in the country for decades now. 

Miners have found multiple cobalt reserves among the abundant lead and copper reserves in this area.

So this could be a great opportunity for a Missourian to start their metal detecting journey. 

And another important place situated in the viburnum trend is the Boss mining complex.

This is a major lead excavating mine that is still under operation so there could be cobalt nearby this mine. 

Madison County

Part of the viburnum trend also extends beyond Reynolds County to Madison County so there could be cobalt reserves from the viburnum trend in this part of Missouri too.  

3. Alaska

among the icy snow caps of Alaska, there are abundant cobalt deposits recorded by various people and locals. 

Here are some locations in the state of Alaska, that you can also metal detect to find cobalt. 

Amber Mining District

This mining district is situated in the Northwest part of Alaska. This area has been explored and excavated for copper and zinc for decades now. 

Cobalt is usually found caked between these kinds of minerals. And there have been reports that the metal detectors and miners got lucky with finding cobalt in copper and zinc. 

So this is a good starting point in Alaska to start the cobalt-detecting journey

Southeast Alaska

This has been mined for copper and zinc for centuries so there might be a chance of cobalt being present among these minerals

Western Alaska

Copper and nickel mining activities are very popular in this art of Alaska. This could also suggest that there might be deposits of cobalt among these minerals.

4. California

Known as Silicon Valley due to its abundant reserves of minerals, cobalt deposits are found scattered all over the state of California. 

Here are some of the locations in California where you could potentially find some cobalt.

Sulfur Creek District

This mining district is situated in the trinity county of California these mines have excavated nickel and cope for decades now. 

So there is a potential of finding cobalt among these metals.

So this will be a perfect starting place for someone from California or a neighboring state. 

And there are various small cobalt deposits scattered around Californian State without much information about them. 

So if you have the curiosity and the exploration nerve within you this is a perfect opportunity for you to shine.  

5. Minnesota

Minnesota is a popular state among tourists due to the presence of great lakes within the state. 

This state also has some cobalt deposits apart from these great lakes for someone interested in metal detecting to explore. 

Duluth Complex

This is found in the Northeastern part of the Minnesota state this area is known for its copper and nice mining processes.

So there is a chance that cobalt could be present in these areas.

Recently a large company started a project named North Met project, which effectively looks for Cobalt among other metals and minerals. 

So there is a high chance of finding cobalt from this location in Northeastern Minnesota. 

Other States in The USA with Potential Cobalt Deposits

Listed below are some other states, which have small reserves of Cobalt in them so if you are someone who is near any of these locations, I suggest you start your metal-detecting journey at one of these locations.

1. Montana

Stillwater Mine

Stillwater Mine is located in Southern Montana this is a large producer of elements like platinum and palladium. 

So there could be cobalt present among these metals 

Mostly cobalt will be discarded as a by-product, so for someone willing to do the hard work, this might be a perfect option to try out cobalt detecting.

Black Butte Copper Project

Black butte mine is located in central Minnesota which is an underground copper mine. 

During the copper mining activities, cobalt is found. 

This found cobalt is considered as a byproduct. So there is an opportunity for a metal detector to start his metal detecting operation at this location.

2. Nevada

There are abundant copper and nickel mines present in the state of Nevada. In these mines, cobalt is produced and discarded as a by-product 

For someone willing to do hard work and earn value, this is a perfect opportunity. 

3. Michigan

Eagle Mine

Eagle Mine is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which is a mass producer of nickel and copper. 

This mine produces tons of copper and nickel even at this hour, so there might be a chance of cobalt being resent in these mines,

Mostly cobalt will be not cared for as that is not their primary target. So you will be able to find cobalt easily. 

4. Oregon

Nickel Mountain Mine

Situated in the Southwest part of Oregon, this is also a fully functional mine. This mine is known for its nickel production, but this mine also produces cobalt as well. 

So this is a good location to start cobalt detecting for someone from Oregon.

5. Utah

Bingham Canyon Mine

Bingham Canyon Mine which is also known as Kennecott Copper Mine is located near Salt Lake City. 

As the name suggests the main focus of this mine is to excavate copper and they have been successful in doing so 

Among the copper mining operations lot of cobalt is produced as by-products, indicating the presence of cobalt. 

6. Wyoming

The state of Wyoming has a rich history of copper mining. Among the abundant copper reserves present in Wyoming, there could be cobalt deposits too. 

So this portrays the perfect opportunity for a metal detector from Wyoming to start their cobalt-detecting journey. 

Now you know the top locations to find Cobalt treasures when metal detecting in the US.

So, let’s spread our wings and talk about the countries that are known for Cobalt treasures.

Best Places Around the World to Find Cobalt by Metal Detecting

North America 

1. Canada

Canada is one of the pioneer cobalt production countries in the world. 

The regions of Ontario and the Northwestern part of the country have been leading cobalt mining for a long time now these areas are great for metal detecting for cobalt.

The town of Cobalt is one of the significant locations in Canada, in which most locals’ job is cobalt mining. 

This area is a hotspot for cobalt so if anyone is trying to start the cobalt detecting journey this is the perfect place. 

South America 

1. Cuba

Cuba is also famous for its mineralized soil. This country also has its fair share of cobalt deposits. 

Moa Nickel-Cobalt mine is an operational mine situated in eastern Cuba, which actively searches for nickel and cobalt. 

This is one of the major cobalt-producing mines in the country.

The Ernesto Che Guevara Mine is another cobalt mine that is still operational and looks for cobalt actively beneath the surface of the earth so these are some locations in Cuba you can try out for cobalt metal-detecting. 

2. Brazil

Brazil is another country in the region which is leading in the Cobalt production. The Bahia state of Brazil has a significant cobalt and nickel reserve. 

A project has been started to extract the available cobalt and nickel from a company 

The Vermelho Nickel-Cobalt project will be started soon in Brazil. This will be a hotspot for metal detectors after it has started its operations. 

3. Chile

Mantoverde Copper Mine situated in the northern part of Chile is actively looking for copper beneath the Earth’s surface Cobalt is produced as a by-product of the extraction of copper.  

Australia

1. Australia

Australia has a historical significance in Cobalt mining. It has been a major supplier of cobalt for the whole for a long time now. 

Cobalt operations are mostly carried out in New South Wales. Broken Hill Mine which is in New South Wales is a still operational mine that extracts Zinc and copper. 

This mine produces cobalt as a by-product and is a good starting point for anyone interested in cobalt metal-detecting.   

2. Papua New Guinea

Ramu Nickel Cobalt mine in Papua New Guinea also involves in mining cobalt. 

This is an operational mine so there could be abundant cobalt at the site to be detected.

Asia

1. Philippines

Coral Bay Nickel Mine in the Philippines is an operational mine that searches for nickel mostly. 

Cobalt is produced as a by-product of this site, therefore the industrial site might contain a lot of cobalt to be discovered.

Africa

1. Congo

Congo is the leading producer of Cobalt in the world. Congo is gifted with the Katanga Copper Belt, which is a long strip of mineralized sand running in the southern part of the country. 

One of the major cobalt-producing mines in Congo is Kamoto Underground Mine This is the largest cobalt-producing mine in the world. 

Another important mining site in Congo is, Mukondo Mountain Mine which mines copper mainly. This mine produces cobalt as a byproduct. 

2. Zambia

Zambia is another major cobalt producer in the African region. A part of the copper belt which runs through Congo also asses through Zambia 

Due to this, there are abundant mines that extract copper in the country. These mines produce cobalt as a byproduct. 

One notable mine in Zambia is Mopani Copper mines which is an operational mine situated in the copper belt region. 

Europe

1. Russia

Russia is a major copper and nickel-extracting country along with these metals, cobalt is extracted as a byproduct. 

A notable mine in Russia is the Norilsk Nickel Mine, which is a major nickel producer in the country. This produces cobalt as a byproduct. 

2. Finland

Outokumpu Copper-Cobalt mine is a historical mine site situated in Finland. It was one of the major successful producers of Cobalt from the early 1800s to the late 1980s. 

Still, there might be some cobalt remaining in this abandoned historical mining site. 

3. Norway

Skuterud Mine in Norway is also an abandoned mine but back in the day, it was a major producer of cobalt along with nickel for the world. 

There might be remaining of its rich history, to be discovered by inquisitive metal detecting enthusiasts. 

That’s it folks! Now you know all the best places to find Cobalt metal detecting in detail.

As of 2021, the Democratic Republic of Congo was the largest producer of cobalt in the world, accounting for approximately 70% of the global cobalt supply.

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So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Did I cover all You wanted to know about: Best Places to Find Cobalt Metal Detecting? 

In this article, I’ve deeply discussed the top locations to find Cobalt when metal detecting. You can read the list thoroughly and select the location nearby for Cobalt Treasures.

The best places to find cobalt while metal detecting include the Idaho Cobalt Belt, especially the Blackbird mine, the Missouri Lead Belt, and Michigan’s Copper Belt. These areas are rich in cobalt deposits, making them ideal for metal detecting.

Like in any other detecting procedure, metal detecting for cobalt takes time. you should be persistent to try again and again until you find the first piece of cobalt. 

Then after that, you know the recipe for success and you can follow it without any hesitation to find more cobalt. 

I hope I covered all you wanted to know about the best places to find cobalt metal detecting. 

So go out there and search for some cobalt, uncover the mystery and the explorer living inside you!