DR Congo extends cobalt export ban
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced a three-month extension of its cobalt export ban, originally set to expire this week. The decision, confirmed by the Authority for the Regulation and Control of Strategic Mineral Substances’ Markets (ARECOMS), was prompted by persistent high stock levels and ongoing oversupply in the global cobalt market.
The new suspension period will run through September 2025, with officials expected to revisit the policy before it expires to determine whether to revise, prolong, or lift the measure. DRC, which accounts for more than half of the world’s cobalt reserves, imposed the original ban in late February 2025 after cobalt prices plummeted to a nine-year low of $10 per 0.45 kg.
Stabilizing the market
The move was part of an effort to stabilize global prices by limiting the supply of the critical battery material. Since the implementation of the ban, cobalt prices have rebounded sharply, gaining more than 50% from their previous lows, suggesting a successful short-term impact on market dynamics.
To ensure compliance, ARECOMS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines, has enforced strict regulations that prohibit the blending of uncertified cobalt with that from industrial sources. This applies across all forms of mining—industrial, semi-industrial, and artisanal. Violations are subject to penalties under national law, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting the value of its strategic mineral exports.
The export restriction has sparked mixed reactions among major cobalt producers. Glencore, one of the largest suppliers globally, has voiced support for coordinated measures such as production quotas to manage market balance. In contrast, CMOC Group of China, the world’s leading cobalt producer, has called for an end to the suspension, arguing that open trade would be a more effective approach. This divergence underscores broader tensions within the cobalt supply chain over how best to handle price volatility and supply fluctuations.
Cobalt remains an essential component in the manufacturing of rechargeable batteries, particularly for electric vehicles and consumer electronics. As such, the DRC’s actions have significant implications for global industries transitioning to green energy. With an estimated six million metric tons of cobalt reserves, the country’s policy decisions continue to play a central role in shaping the future of battery technology and the renewable energy landscape.
