The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will lift its suspension on cobalt exports next month and introduce a quota system to manage global supply of the critical battery metal, the country’s strategic minerals regulator announced on Sunday.
Starting October 16, miners will be permitted to export up to 18,125 tonnes of cobalt for the remainder of 2025. Annual caps will be set at 96,600 tonnes for both 2026 and 2027, according to the Authority for the Regulation and Control of Strategic Mineral Substances’ Markets (ARECOMS).
Congo, which produced about 70% of the world’s cobalt last year, halted exports in February after prices plunged to a nine-year low. The ban, extended in June, forced major producers including Glencore and China’s CMOC Group to declare force majeure on some contracts.
The regulator said quotas would be allocated based on historical export levels, with 10% of future volumes reserved for “strategic national projects.”
Companies that exceed their quarterly allowances may see stocks bought back by the regulator, and quotas could be revised depending on market conditions or the pace of local refining.
The shift comes as conflict in eastern Congo escalates, with the government accusing M23 rebels of profiting from illegal mineral exploitation. Congo’s artisanal mining sector, which produces a sizeable share of cobalt, remains largely unregulated, complicating traceability and compliance for international buyers.
The quota system is supported by Glencore, which sees it as a means of reducing inventories and supporting prices. CMOC has opposed the move. Both companies declined immediate comment on Sunday.
Cobalt, a key component in electric vehicle batteries, is viewed as a strategic mineral for the global energy transition, making Congo’s policy shift closely watched by automakers and technology firms worldwide.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
