The Democratic Republic of Congo will lift its ban on cobalt exports on October 16. Instead, it will introduce annual export quotas to manage global supply and stabilize prices, the country’s strategic minerals regulator announced Sunday.
For the rest of 2025, miners may export up to 18,125 tons of cobalt. In 2026 and 2027, the annual cap will rise to 96,600 tons.
The Authority for the Regulation and Control of Strategic Mineral Substances’ Markets said the new system would prevent oversupply and support market recovery.
Congo produces about 70 percent of the world’s cobalt, a critical mineral for electric vehicle batteries. The government suspended exports in February after prices hit a nine-year low.
The ban, extended in June, forced companies like Glencore and China’s CMOC Group to declare force majeure.
Industry reacts to quota system
The quota system allocates shipments based on companies’ past exports. Officials say the goal is to cut excess inventories and raise prices.
Industry reactions, however, remain divided. Glencore has backed the quota plan, while CMOC has opposed it. Glencore declined to comment further, and CMOC did not respond to requests.
Congo’s artisanal mining sector adds further complications. Small-scale miners contribute a significant share of output, but the lack of regulation makes traceability and compliance difficult for global buyers.
Quotas linked to national projects and security
The regulator confirmed that 10 percent of cobalt volumes will go to “strategic national projects.” Authorities may also revise quotas depending on market conditions or progress in local refining.
In addition, the regulator reserved the right to buy back any cobalt that exceeds a company’s quarterly limit. This measure aims to keep supply under control and avoid price crashes.
The timing of the policy shift is not accidental. Congo is facing growing violence in its eastern provinces, where illegal mineral trade fuels M23 rebel activities.
By moving from a ban to a quota system, the government hopes to both reassure international markets and tighten oversight of local production.
As a result, the new framework balances two urgent needs: securing domestic stability and keeping global cobalt supply steady.
