DRC Mining Prices Show Mixed Trend as Gold, Nickel and Zinc Rise
DRC Mineral Prices: Copper, Cobalt and Tin Fall as Gold, Nickel and Zinc Rise
Mineral prices from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are expected to move in different directions this week, with gold, nickel, zinc and silver recording gains while copper, cobalt, tin and several other minerals face downward pressure.
The latest price forecasts, covering 31 August to 5 September 2026, are based on the official mercurial prices for DRC mineral products destined for international markets.
Copper, Cobalt and Tin Decline
Copper, one of the DRC’s most important mineral exports, is expected to decline from US$14,437.50 to US$14,350.20 per tonne.
Cobalt is also marginally lower, with its price falling from US$55,600 to US$55,599 per tonne.
Tin has recorded a more noticeable decline, dropping from US$56,037.50 to US$55,678.75 per tonne.
Other minerals are also expected to weaken. Germanium is projected to fall from US$12,684.88 to US$12,481.22 per kilogram, while tantalum declines from US$750 to US$746.26 per kilogram.
The price of niobium concentrate is also forecast to edge lower, from US$5,963.11 to US$5,936.12 per tonne.
Gold, Nickel and Zinc Gain
Gold is among the commodities recording an increase during the period, with its price rising from US$142.71 to US$145.80 per gram.
Nickel is also projected to strengthen, increasing from US$14,776.92 to US$14,901.50 per tonne.
Zinc records the strongest increase among the major minerals highlighted, with its price rising from US$3,815.65 to US$3,984.15 per tonne.
Silver is likewise expected to gain, moving from US$2.13 to US$2.17 per gram.
Mixed Outlook for DRC Minerals
The latest figures highlight the continued volatility of international mineral markets, with price movements varying significantly across commodities.
For the DRC, these changes remain important given the country’s dependence on mineral exports and the central role of copper, cobalt, gold, tin and other strategic minerals in its mining economy.
While the decline in copper and cobalt is relatively marginal, the movement in prices can still affect export revenues, mining margins and government receipts when sustained over longer periods.
The contrasting performance of the country’s key minerals also underscores the importance of diversification across the DRC’s mineral portfolio as global demand and market conditions continue to evolve.
