DRC’s Mineral Prices and Security Challenges Shape Economic Outlook for 2025
In its economic outlook note for the first week of December 2025, released on January 9, the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) reported that as of December 30, 2024, the price of Brent crude oil stood at USD 74.15 per barrel, reflecting a slight increase of 0.57% from the previous week.
The BCC attributed this rise to positive economic prospects for China, particularly after the country announced a recovery plan. However, on a yearly basis, the price of Brent crude has dropped by 4.78% compared to December 2023.
Regarding copper, the price per tonne was USD 8,811.50, marking a 1.71% decrease from December 27, 2024. On a year-over-year basis, copper prices increased by 3.29% compared to December 2023.
Cobalt prices held steady at USD 24,050 per tonne as of the end of November 2024. However, the BCC noted a sharp 26.57% drop in cobalt prices during 2024.
Gold, at USD 2,624.56 per ounce, saw a slight decrease of 0.09% compared to December 27, 2024. Compared to December 2023, the price of gold increased by 26.77%.
The DRC government faces the challenge of establishing effective policies for the exploitation and export of these vital minerals to boost the national economy. However, security issues, particularly the control of mining sites by rebel groups, continue to undermine progress.
In a December 27, 2024 report, the United Nations group of experts revealed that gold mining in Ituri province remains outside state control, generating at least $140 million annually for armed groups and criminal networks.
