Congo to Lift Cobalt Export Ban

The Democratic Republic of Congo will lift its cobalt export ban on 16 October, introducing annual quotas to stabilise prices amid artisanal mining challenges and regional conflict.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced it will lift its cobalt export ban on 16 October, allowing shipments of 18,125 tonnes for the remainder of 2025, with annual export caps set at 96,600 tonnes through 2027, the country’s strategic minerals regulator confirmed on Sunday.

The new quota system, supported by global mining giant Glencore but opposed by China’s CMOC Group, aims to stabilise cobalt prices following a supply freeze earlier this year. Congo, which produced around 70 per cent of global cobalt output in 2024, suspended exports in February after prices fell to a nine-year low, a move later extended in June. The freeze prompted major producers, including Glencore and CMOC, to declare force majeure on their shipments.

While the quota system seeks to balance supply and demand, the country’s largely artisanal mining sector, coupled with ongoing conflict in eastern provinces, presents significant challenges for oversight and traceability. The government has emphasised that 10 per cent of future cobalt volumes will be reserved for strategic national projects, and quotas may be adjusted based on market conditions or progress in domestic refining.

The strategic minerals regulator also confirmed it would retain the right to buy back any cobalt stocks exceeding the quarterly authorised quotas per company. The authority indicated that allocations would be based on historical export levels, a measure intended to reward established producers while maintaining market stability.

Congo’s eastern regions remain a flashpoint for unrest, with the government warning that illegal mining activities are fuelling violence by the M23 rebel group. Authorities have highlighted that ensuring compliance with the quota system is critical not only for market stability but also for national security.

The decision marks a significant step in the DRC’s effort to exert greater control over its cobalt industry, a critical material in electric vehicle batteries and other renewable energy technologies. Analysts suggest that the quota system could support prices in the short term, though structural challenges—including artisanal production and regional insecurity—may limit its long-term effectiveness.

Glencore declined to comment on the announcement, while CMOC was not immediately available for comment.