Global Commodity Markets Push Up Prices of Key Congolese Minerals
DRC Mineral Prices Rise as Copper, Gold, Tin and Tantalum Surge on Global Markets
Amid persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and ongoing uncertainty in global supply chains, several major mineral exports from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recorded an overall upward trend on international markets during the week of March 9–14, 2026.
According to projections from the National Market Commission of the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Trade, copper prices are expected to reach $13,132 per ton during the period, compared with $12,877 per ton the previous week.
This represents a weekly increase of $255, reflecting sustained global demand for the metal. Copper remains a strategic resource widely used in energy infrastructure, construction, and green technologies such as renewable energy systems and electric vehicles.
Commodity markets have remained particularly sensitive to geopolitical disruptions and potential risks to supply chains, especially in key production and transit regions. These factors have contributed to volatility and upward pressure on several raw material prices.
Gold prices are also expected to rise during the same period. The Ministry of Foreign Trade projects the precious metal to reach $170.32 per gram, up from $165.83 per gram the previous week an increase of $4.49.
The rise in gold prices reflects a traditional market pattern, as investors often turn to the precious metal as a safe-haven asset during periods of international uncertainty.
Among the minerals exported by the DRC, tin is projected to record the most significant increase. Its price is expected to climb to $54,925 per ton, compared with $47,615 per ton the previous week, marking a substantial rise of $7,310.
Tin plays a crucial role in the manufacturing of electronic components and soldering materials used across the electronics industry, where demand remains strong due to continued growth in global technology markets.
Tantalum, another strategic mineral essential for the production of electronic devices and high-tech equipment, is also forecast to experience growth. Its price is expected to reach $541 per kilogram, up from $475 per kilogram the previous week an increase of $66.
However, not all of the country’s key mining exports are expected to follow the same upward trend.
Cobalt, a critical mineral used in batteries for electric vehicles and electronic devices, is projected to trade at $55,606 per ton, slightly down from $55,612 per ton the previous week, representing a marginal decrease of $6.
Similarly, zinc is expected to decline modestly, with its price projected at $3,317 per ton, compared with $3,325 per ton a week earlier a drop of $8.
Overall, the latest projections indicate a favorable market environment for several strategic minerals exported by the DRC, which remains one of the world’s leading producers of copper and cobalt.
Price movements on international markets remain a critical indicator for the country’s export revenues and the overall performance of the mining industry, which continues to serve as a central pillar of the Congolese economy.
