The Democratic Republic of Congo will end its ban on cobalt exports on October 16 and instead regulate global supply through annual export quotas, the country’s strategic minerals regulator announced on Sunday.
Miners will be permitted to ship up to 18,125 tons of cobalt for the remainder of 2025, while exports in 2026 and 2027 will be capped at 96,600 tonnes each year, according to the Authority for the Regulation and Control of Strategic Mineral Substances’ Markets, Reuters reported.
Congo, which accounted for roughly 70% of global cobalt production last year, imposed the ban in February after prices dropped to a nine-year low.
The measure was extended in June, forcing major producers, including Glencore and China’s CMOC Group, to declare force majeure.
The country’s artisanal mining sector, which remains largely unregulated, contributes significantly to cobalt output but complicates efforts to ensure traceability and compliance for international buyers.
Don’t Miss This:
Switzerland’s Mining Giant Eyes Exit As DRC Cobalt Exports Remain Suspended
The quota system is being introduced as conflict escalates in eastern Congo, where the government says illegal mineral exploitation is fueling violence by M23 rebels.
The new rules, supported by Glencore but opposed by CMOC, are intended to reduce inventories and stabilize prices.
Quotas will be assigned based on companies’ historical exports of the metal, which is critical for electric battery production.
Glencore declined to comment, while CMOC was not immediately available.
According to the regulator, 10% of future export volumes will be reserved for strategic national projects, and quotas may be revised in response to market conditions or progress in local refining.
The regulator also stated it can buy back cobalt stocks exceeding the quarterly authorized quotas allocated to companies, in a statement signed by its chairman.
Don’t Miss This:
Congo’s Central Bank Governor Aims To Reduce Dollar Reliance
Image Credit: World Energy News
