Refreshing the Cobalt Trade: DRC's Innovative Export Changes
DR Congo's Cobalt Export Strategy Transformation
The cobalt export ban imposed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to conclude soon. This significant move is expected to reshape the cobalt market dramatically. Officials in Kinshasa have been working on a plan to replace the existing ban with a new quota-based export system. This system is designed to manage oversupply without entirely halting shipments, subject to implementation right after the ban expires.
New Cobalt Quota System
From October 16, miners will be able to ship a maximum of 18,000 tons of cobalt this year. Starting in 2026, this figure will increase to 96,600 tons annually for both 2026 and 2027. Comparatively, the DRC produced nearly 220,000 tons of cobalt in 2024, so these limits mark a significant cut in potential exports, reflecting a balancing act in the market.
Reasons Behind the Shift
The introduction of the export ban was a response to falling prices, which had dropped to a historic low early in 2025. As the DRC accounts for over 70% of the global cobalt supply, this decision was pivotal in curbing market oversaturation caused by extensive operations in the region. Moreover, weakening demand from electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers amidst increasing global inventories pressured the market further.
Market Reactions and Price Recovery
In light of these changes, cobalt prices have shown remarkable resilience. Recent trading data indicates that cobalt price has risen sharply, with COMEX reporting cobalt prices around $16 per pound. Cobalt sulphate pricing for electric vehicles hit around $6,947 per ton, more than doubling from earlier this year, although still trailing behind the peak prices seen in 2022.
Cobalt’s Rising Value in Electric Vehicles
According to recent analyses, the value of cobalt used in electric vehicle batteries surged to $180 million in August, marking the highest value since late 2022. The average worth of cobalt per vehicle is now above $70, reflecting a significant recovery from earlier declines.
International Scrutiny and Political Considerations
The DRC's new export strategy has drawn significant attention from international observers. The Mines Ministry is in the process of finalizing quotas for different producers amidst challenging negotiations. Industry giants such as Glencore (stock ticker GLNCY) and CMOC Group Ltd (stock ticker CMCLF) have differing opinions on the quota system's implementation. The situation is further complicated due to conflict in eastern regions of the DRC, where illegal mining activities are reportedly funding unrest.
Global Responses: Stockpiling and Diversification
In the wake of these developments, both the US and China have taken steps to bolster their cobalt reserves. The US Department of Defense is actively seeking to diversify its sources of critical minerals, showing a clear intent to diminish reliance on any single country, even one as resource abundant as the DRC.
Opportunities for Future Mining Projects
Additionally, the US Trade and Development Agency has initiated funding for Metalex Africa Zambia, a subsidiary of Metalex Commodities, to explore expanding operations at the Kazozu copper-cobalt mine. This initiative is poised to increase annual copper and cobalt production by an additional 25,000 tons, thereby enhancing the overall supply chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changes are being made to DRC's cobalt export system?
The DRC is replacing its export ban with a quota system allowing limited cobalt shipments, starting October 16.
How has the market reacted to the cobalt ban?
Cobalt prices experienced a significant rebound, recovering sharply from lows, with current prices around $16 per pound.
What are the quotas set by the new cobalt export system?
Miners will be permitted to export a maximum of 18,000 tons in the current year, increasing to 96,600 tons each in 2026 and 2027.
Why did the DRC impose the initial cobalt export ban?
The ban was a reaction to falling cobalt prices and oversupply issues, particularly driven by production from copper-cobalt mines.
How are global powers responding to changes in the cobalt market?
The US and China are stockpiling cobalt and seeking to diversify sources to reduce reliance on the DRC.
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