Cobalt

Cobalt is a refined metal used in a number of advanced industrial applications. Like other refined metals, it is used for high-end power systems, buildings, and automation systems. It is also one of the materials that can be used in the Exosuit Forge to produce Atmo Suits, making it useful in colony progression toward hazardous-environment access.

Cobalt can be produced from Cobalt Ore in several ways. The most efficient method is through the Metal Refinery, which converts 100 kg Cobalt Ore into 100 kg Cobalt and requires Duplicant operation. A less efficient option is the Rock Crusher, which also requires Duplicant operation but only yields 50 kg Cobalt and 50 kg Sand from 100 kg Cobalt Ore, making it a poor choice if ore efficiency matters. Smooth Hatches provide another indirect source of Cobalt by consuming Cobalt Ore and excreting refined metal at reduced mass, producing about 75% of the ore’s mass as Cobalt.

Because of its extremely high thermal conductivity, Cobalt can also serve as a substitute for diamond in temperature shift plates when needed. This makes it valuable not only as an electrical construction material, but also in heat-management setups where fast thermal transfer is important.

Practical notes:

• Cobalt is a refined metal, so it fits the same general role as other refined metals in advanced infrastructure.
• The Exosuit Forge can use Cobalt to craft Atmo Suits. The recipe is 300 kg Cobalt + 2 Reed Fiber = 1 Atmo Suit.
• The Metal Refinery provides a 1:1 conversion from Cobalt Ore to Cobalt.
• The Rock Crusher is much less efficient and should generally be avoided for Cobalt production unless no better option is available.
• Smooth Hatches can be used as a passive production route, but they do not preserve full material mass.
• Cobalt can be used in the Power Control Station to produce Microchips.

Overall, Cobalt is a versatile refined metal that sits between early industrial materials and more specialized late-game applications. Its strong thermal conductivity and broad utility in power, automation, and suit production make it a worthwhile resource to refine and stockpile.