Congo’s Cobalt Quotas Tighten, Shaping Global Supply Dynamics BODY: KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the world’s largest cobalt producer, has implemented stricter export quota rules for cobalt, signaling a shift in the global supply landscape. Under the new directive from the country’s strategic minerals regulator, ARECOMS, any cobalt export quotas allocated for the first half of 2026 that remain unused by June 30 will automatically expire and be reassigned to the government’s “strategic quota, “enhancing the state’s control over cobalt allocations. This move follows the DRC’s earlier intervention in the market to address a prolonged oversupply, which had driven cobalt prices to multi-year lows.
The new rules, effective from July 1, prevent mining companies from carrying unused quotas into the next allocation period, compelling them to redirect any unused volumes towards projects deemed of national interest, such as expanding domestic mineral processing and increasing value addition.
The DRC’s cobalt policies are closely watched due to the metal’s pivotal role in electric vehicle batteries, energy storage systems, and other high-performance industrial applications.
The latest restrictions come after the Congolese government temporarily suspended cobalt exports in response to a supply glut, later replacing the suspension with a quota system to better manage exports and support market recovery. These measures have already had a significant impact, with global cobalt prices climbing roughly 160% since February 2025. By reclaiming unused export quotas into a state-controlled reserve, the government gains greater flexibility to direct future exports towards companies or projects that align with its industrial policy, particularly those investing in local refining and downstream processing.
The DRC’s mining industry is dominated by large international operators, including Chinese mining giant CMOC, commodity trader Glencore, Eurasian Resources Group, and Huayou Cobalt. CMOC’s rise to become the world’s largest cobalt producer underscores China’s growing influence over the global supply chain.
The new cobalt export quota system in the DRC, which includes the confiscation of unused quotas and transfer to a government — controlled reserve, is seen as a way to ensure a stable supply of cobalt to international markets.
However, it also raises concerns about the potential for increased prices and supply chain disruptions if mining companies are unable to meet their export quotas.
As the DRC tightens its grip on cobalt resources, the global community will be watching closely to see how these policies impact the cobalt market and the broader transition to renewable energy.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Ayodeji Adegboyega
