The Democratic Republic of Congo has extended, until October 15, the temporary suspension of cobalt exports, before reintroducing them under a new quota system, the country’s regulatory authority announced on September 20.
“Starting October 16, exports will resume but within strict limits,” the Autorité de régulation et de contrôle des marchés des substances minérales stratégiques (ARECOMS) said in a statement read by M&B Business Magazine. The quota is capped at 18,125 tonnes until the end of 2025, and 96,600 tonnes for 2026, including 9,600 tonnes reserved as a strategic stock under ARECOMS control.
Some operators will be excluded from the scheme, the agency warned. “Companies that exported less than 100 tonnes of cobalt in 2024 (excluding the state-run Entreprise générale du cobalt) or that have not operated a mine in the past five years will not be eligible,” the statement added.
ARECOMS said it retains the right to reallocate unused volumes, to buy back surplus stocks, and to withdraw quotas in case of violations of national laws.
The measure, in preparation for months, aims to organize the flow of Congolese cobalt to international markets. “We want to guarantee a healthy and sustainable development of the global strategic minerals industry,” the regulator said.
M&B
Congo Extends Suspension of Cobalt Exports, Sets Quotas
