Key Points
- Glencore ships the first cobalt cargo approved under Congo’s new quota system.
- Congo resumes exports after a months-long ban that tightened global supply.
- Exporters face delays as they navigate new testing and royalty rules.
Glencore has moved the first cobalt cargo approved under the Democratic Republic of Congo’s new export quotas. One government source and two trade sources familiar with the development confirmed the shipment. Authorities cleared the cargo this week pending payment of a 10 percent royalty.
The green light marks Congo’s first return to formal exports since the months-long ban that pushed cobalt prices higher and tightened supply for electric vehicle producers worldwide.
Congo accounts for more than 70 percent of global mined cobalt. Analysts expect roughly 280 000 metric tons of global output this year.
Under the quota system launched on October 16, Congo allocated 18 125 tons for the fourth quarter and will cap annual exports at 96 600 tons from 2026.
Initial expectations pointed to shipments starting by January. Two trade sources now believe full-sized cargoes will not leave the country until April.
CMOC and Glencore Receive Largest Allocations
China’s CMOC and Glencore, the world’s biggest cobalt producers, received the largest quotas. CMOC’s allocation for the quarter stands at 6 650 tons. Glencore’s stands at 3 925 tons. Congo’s regulator ARECOMS retains 10 percent for its strategic reserve.
CMOC’s Tenke Fungurume Mining has begun its own preparations for exports, according to a government source.
Glencore declined to comment. CMOC, ARECOMS and Congo’s mines ministry did not respond to requests for comment.
A government source explained that Glencore’s shipment was authorised as a pilot while officials assess quality and final export volumes. The royalty will be paid once quality testing is completed. The source added that the process should become smoother after the first export.
Exporters continue to struggle with unclear procedures and payment rules. Congo has warned of penalties for non-compliance, but shipments have stalled as companies attempt to understand the new requirements.
Mining Lobby Seeks Clarity as Delays Mount
Reuters previously reported that the country’s mining lobby pushed for urgent talks to resolve legal gaps and address the compliance hurdles slowing shipments.
The lobby warned that key elements of the system—including royalty prepayment within 48 hours and mandatory compliance certificates—risk slowing exports at a time when global battery supply chains depend on predictable flow.
Glencore, which operates the Mutanda and Katanga mines, supported the quota-based structure. CMOC preferred a full end to the export ban.
Under the new rules, exporters must notify authorities, prepare batches for sampling and wait for laboratory testing to verify quality and volume. Officials then calculate royalties. No cargo moves without proof of payment.
Cobalt prices currently trade around 24 dollars a pound, or about 52 900 dollars a ton. Prices had fallen to nine-year lows of around 10 dollars a pound in February when Congo first suspended exports.
