DRC Partners with Indonesia to Regulate Global Cobalt Supply
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced a partnership with Indonesia to strengthen its control over cobalt supply on the international market.
The decision, made by the Economic Situation Committee, was officially presented by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka during the 35th Council of Ministers meeting on March 14, 2025.
Following a four-month suspension of cobalt exports, the DRC—holder of 75% of the world’s cobalt reserves—is determined to manage its supply effectively.
The suspension was initially imposed due to an oversupply in global markets, which led to a decline in cobalt prices.
Indonesia, a key cobalt producer, was selected as a strategic partner to facilitate knowledge-sharing and joint market control efforts. The collaboration aims to stabilize prices and enhance supply chain management.
The Economic Situation Committee has recommended rigorous oversight of the suspension and proposed a quota system to regulate cobalt production. This quota will be divided into two segments:
- Exports – Limiting the amount of cobalt sold internationally.
- Local Processing – Encouraging domestic value addition before export.
Prime Minister Suminwa pledged to implement these recommendations, ensuring the smooth operation of the General Cobalt Company and the Authority for the Regulation and Control of the Strategic Mineral Substances Market (ARECOMS).
The suspension has already had a significant impact on global markets. According to the DRC’s Ministry of Mines, cobalt prices surged by 27% within a week of the announcement.
“The price of cobalt has increased by 27% on the international market in one week following the temporary suspension of exports from the DRC,” the Ministry stated on March 6, 2025.
ARECOMS initially announced the export suspension in a press release on February 24, 2025, as part of the government’s broader strategy to regulate the market and protect its economic interests.
