The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will lift its cobalt export ban on October 16 while introducing strict annual quotas to better manage supply and stabilise global prices. The announcement came on September 22 from the country’s strategic minerals regulator, ARECOMS.
Under the new policy, exporters will be allowed to ship up to 18,125 tonnes of cobalt for the rest of 2025. Annual export caps will then rise to 96,600 tonnes for both 2026 and 2027. ARECOMS explained that the quota system aims to reduce stockpiles and create fairer price stability in the market.
Why the Ban Happened
Congo, the world’s largest cobalt producer supplying about 70 percent of global demand, halted exports back in February 2025 after prices crashed to a nine-year low. The suspension—extended in June—hit major producers like Glencore and China’s CMOC Group, forcing them to declare force majeure and leaving electric vehicle supply chains scrambling.
ARECOMS says the new quota plan will allocate shipments based on companies’ past export levels, with 10 percent reserved for national strategic projects. Quotas could still be adjusted depending on market shifts or progress in local refining.
Mixed Reactions from Industry
The decision has split opinion among miners. Glencore, one of Congo’s biggest players, has expressed support for the policy, while CMOC is reportedly opposed. ARECOMS also announced that it may step in to buy back cobalt stocks exceeding company quotas in order to keep the market balanced.
Security and Traceability Concerns
The move comes at a time of rising conflict in eastern Congo, where authorities accuse M23 rebels of funding their operations through illegal mining. Cobalt sourced from artisanal mines also continues to face global scrutiny over traceability and ethical sourcing.
By tightening control through quotas, the DRC hopes to strengthen oversight, discourage black-market sales, and pave the way for more predictable exports. Officials also signalled that restrictions could change depending on how quickly domestic refining capacity develops—part of the government’s wider ambition to capture more value from the booming electric battery industry.
