Cobalt industry warns EU rules could push jobs to China

The EU is tightening workplace limits on cobalt exposure, prompting warnings from industry that production and jobs could move to China, Yle reports.

The new limit for cobalt in workplace air is 10 micrograms per cubic metre, half Finland’s current limit of 20 micrograms. The measure is part of a wider EU directive to protect workers’ health and is based on the cancer risk associated with cobalt.

The European Parliament approved the directive earlier in October, with 499 votes in favour, 49 against and 104 abstentions. All Finnish MEPs except Sebastian Tynkkynen of the Finns Party voted in favour. Tynkkynen, who belongs to the European Conservatives and Reformists group, voted against it.

Tynkkynen and Sami Kallioinen, chief executive of cobalt producer Jervois Finland, say the rules could undermine European production. Kallioinen argues that EU-based companies face stricter requirements while products from countries with weaker regulations can still be sold in Europe.

Jervois Finland employs about 200 people in Kokkola, where the EU’s cobalt refining centre is located. Only China produces more cobalt. The metal is used in products including batteries and fertilisers, and is essential to the aerospace industry.

The directive applies to all companies processing cobalt in the EU. Businesses may need to make costly changes to production facilities and invest in worker protection, particularly in countries that previously had no cobalt exposure limits. China’s limit is 50 micrograms per cubic metre, while the United States allows up to 100, according to the article.

EU member states have two years to incorporate the directive into national law. A six-year transition period will then begin.