The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will permanently ban cobalt exporters that violate its new export quota system, President Felix Tshisekedi has announced, as the world’s largest cobalt producer seeks to curb market manipulation, prevent fraud, and stabilise global prices.
Congo, which supplies about 70% of the world’s cobalt, had suspended exports in February after prices of the critical electric-vehicle battery metal plunged to a nine-year low.
According to the country’s state minerals regulator, ARECOMS, the export ban will be replaced by a quota system on October 16. Under the new rules, companies will be allowed to export 18,125 metric tons of cobalt for the remainder of 2025, with annual caps of 96,600 tons set for both 2026 and 2027.
Minutes from a cabinet meeting held Friday — reviewed by Reuters — show President Tshisekedi warning that “exemplary sanctions”, including permanent exclusion from Congo’s cobalt export regime, will be imposed on any company found violating the system.
The government emphasized that ARECOMS alone holds authority to grant, monitor, and revoke export quotas.
Congo’s export freeze earlier this year prompted force majeure declarations from major global producers, including Glencore and China’s CMOC Group. While Glencore has publicly supported the quota system, CMOC, the world’s largest cobalt producer, has voiced opposition.
Tshisekedi credited the export suspension for a 92% rebound in cobalt prices since March, describing the new quota framework as “a real lever to influence this strategic market” after years of what he called “predatory strategies.”
The DRC’s tighter export controls come amid rising conflict in the mineral-rich eastern region, where clashes between M23 rebels and government forces have displaced hundreds of thousands and complicated mining operations.
Meanwhile, regional tensions also deepened after Congo and Rwanda failed to sign a U.S.-backed Regional Economic Integration Framework on Friday — a proposed accord aimed at improving investment conditions and fostering economic cooperation between the two neighbours.
Source:Africa Publicity
