The cobalt ban imposed by the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was in effect until 21 September 2025. Initial reports indicated that there were considerations to extend the ban, as the ban had not fully achieved the aims of reducing global stockpiles and recovery of prices. It was also suggested that a quota be implemented on export, which has been supported by Glencore, but heavily opposed by CMOC, writes Dr Nicolaas C Steenkamp for African Mining, incorporating Mining Mirror online.

Supplied by Freepik

The DRC has extended its temporary suspension of cobalt exports until 15 October 2025, after which a new quota-based system will regulate shipments. The announcement was made by the Regulatory and Control Authority for Strategic Mineral Markets (ARECOMS) under Decision No. 004/ARECOMS/2025.

The measures aim to ensure sustainable growth of the cobalt industry, safeguard national interests, and strengthen the country’s role in the global energy transition.

From 16 October 2025, cobalt exports will resume under strict quotas. The initial allocation will permit a maximum of 18 125 tonnes for the remainder of 2025, followed by 96 600 tonnes in 2026. Of this, 87 000 tonnes will form the base quota, distributed among exporters in proportion to their historical export volumes (excluding Entreprise Générale du Cobalt and Société du Terril de Lubumbashi). An additional 9 600 tonnes will be set aside as a “strategic quota,” controlled directly by ARECOMS for projects deemed of national importance.

Key exclusions from the quota system include companies exporting less than 100 tonnes in 2024 (except EGC), firms with refineries but no active mines in the past five years, and those whose reserves are depleted.

Quota adjustments may be made quarterly to respond to shifts in the cobalt market, with provisions for 2027 maintaining the 2026 levels but subject to revision depending on progress in local value-add processing.

ARECOMS also reserves the right to:

  • Purchase cobalt stocks exceeding a company’s quota,
  • Withdraw quotas from operators processing third-party or artisanal material (with the exception of STL and EGC), and
  • Penalise firms failing to comply with regulations.

These measures came into effect on 21 September 2025.