World refined cobalt production was 55,878 metric tons in 2008, up 4.1% on year mainly on the back of improved refined production in China, the Cobalt Development Institute, or CDI, said Tuesday.

While most producers saw refined cobalt output fall in 2008, Chinese production was up nearly 38% at 18,239 tons due to increased shipments of concentrate and cobalt-containing intermediates into the country, the CDI said.

In 2008, CDI member companies produced 5%, or 1,675 tons less than in 2007, mainly through lower production recorded by Norilsk Nickel (GMKN.RS) and Congo's state-owned Gecamines, although other CDI member companies also recorded modest falls.

Gecamines recorded probably the largest percentage fall in refined production year-on-year, the CDI said, while Norilsk's production fell around 30% year-on-year, although it didn't provide precise figures.

CDI members - 12 producers from 11 countries - account for around 56.2% of world output.

Minara Compagnie de Tifnout Tighanimine, French metals group Eramet SA (ERA.FR), Belgian materials company Umicore SA (UMI.BT) and Vale Inco Ltd., a subsidiary of Brazilian miner Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (RIO), recorded small increases.

-By Michele Maatouk, Dow Jones Newswires; 44-207-842-9447; michele.maatouk@dowjones.com