Category: Battery Metals

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is considering introducing cobalt export quotas in an effort to curb oversupply and support prices. As the world’s largest supplier of cobalt, the country is seeking to counter historically low prices caused by sluggish demand from automakers and increased copper production, which yields cobalt as a by-product. The Congolese government has discussed implementing export limits, though no final decision has been made. Earlier this week, authorities imposed a four-month export ban to address the supply glut. The ban, announced by the Authority for the… Read More Here

The surging demand for materials critical to electromobility, particularly cobalt, has thrust the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into the spotlight, offering it newfound leverage as Europe scrambles to secure resources for its energy transition goals. Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, a member of the European Parliament, emphasizes the need for a united EU approach to ensure a sustainable and ethical supply of raw materials. “The extraction processes must align with our vision of avoiding exploitation and eradicating child labor under horrendous conditions,” Vedrenne, from the pro-European Renew Europe group, told DW. Cobalt, a… Read More Here

The Congolese mining sector has long grappled with mineral traceability issues, particularly within its cobalt supply chain. In April 2024, the NGO Ressource Matters published a study titled “Study the Risks in Your Cobalt Supply Chain”. This research mapped over 280 entities spanning the cobalt supply chain—from miners to end consumers—highlighting the social and environmental risks associated with cobalt extraction. The study aimed to assist companies in aligning with international standards for responsible sourcing. The Complexities of Traceability Ressource Matters identifies the foremost challenge for companies using cobalt: tracing its… Read More Here