Cobalt - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Cobalt Shortage Set to Persist as DRC Export Controls Tighten Global Supply

March 18, 2026March 18, 2026 Constance

Global Cobalt Supply Crunch to Continue Through 2030 as Democratic Republic of the Congo Export Restrictions Disrupt Market A global cobalt shortage is expected to persist through the end of the decade as export restrictions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continue to disrupt supply chains, according to trading firm Darton Commodities. Cobalt shipments from the DRC declined significantly in 2025 after the government imposed an export ban in February, followed by strict quotas in October. The country responsible for more than 70% of global cobalt supply introduced… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Corporate News

DRC Moves to Approve Chemaf Sale to US Firm Virtus Minerals

March 18, 2026March 18, 2026 Constance

Democratic Republic of the Congo Set to Approve Chemaf Sale to Virtus Minerals in Strategic US Critical Minerals Push The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is reportedly preparing to approve the sale of mining company Chemaf to US-based Virtus Minerals, a move that would advance a strategic minerals partnership between Washington and Kinshasa. According to sources cited by Bloomberg News, Congo’s Mines Minister, Louis Watum, informed Virtus that the government intends to clear the transaction. The approval would mark a significant step in the transfer of one of the… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium

Africa’s Critical Minerals Gain Strategic Importance as Global Demand Intensifies

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Constance

Africa’s Rare Earth and Strategic Minerals Attract U.S. Interest Amid Global Supply Chain Pressures Africa is increasingly emerging as a strategic source of rare earth elements and critical minerals as the United States seeks to secure alternative supply chains for materials essential to defense technologies and advanced industries. Rare earth elements are vital components in modern military systems, including missile guidance technologies, fighter aircraft, radar systems, and secure communications networks. As geopolitical tensions rise and military inventories are replenished, reliable access to these minerals has become a growing strategic priority.… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium

Burundi Signs Strategic Mining Agreements With U.S. Companies in Washington

March 15, 2026March 15, 2026 Constance

Burundi Signs Critical Minerals Deals With KoBold Metals and Lifezone Metals in Washington The United States Department of State hosted a signing ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Monday for two strategic agreements between the government of Burundi and American mining companies aimed at advancing exploration and development of critical minerals. The event took place in the presence of Sarah Troutman, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, whose mandate includes promoting U.S. exports and expanding investment opportunities for American companies across sub-Saharan Africa. Agreement With KoBold Metals The first agreement links the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Corporate News Mining safety Safety & Health

Tenke Fungurume Mine Accused of Polluting Air and Harming Communities in DR C

March 10, 2026March 10, 2026 Constance

“ Toxic Transition ” Report Links Cobalt Mining in DR Congo to Health Risks for Communities Cobalt and copper extracted in the Democratic Republic of Congo play a critical role in the global energy transition, particularly in the production of batteries for electric vehicles. However, a new report warns that the extraction of these strategic minerals may be causing serious health problems for communities living near major mining operations. The report, titled “Toxic Transition,” was published by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and the Congolese civil society group PremiCongo. It… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Gold Lithium

U.S. Push for DRC’s Strategic Minerals Faces Security and Investment Hurdles

March 5, 2026March 5, 2026 Constance

US Push for Congo’s Critical Minerals Faces Delays as Conflict and China’s Dominance Complicate Investment The United States has made gradual progress in its effort to reduce China’s dominance over the Democratic Republic of Congo’s strategic mineral sector. However, ongoing conflict, contested mining licenses, and strict compliance requirements continue to slow Washington’s advance into a region where Chinese companies remain deeply entrenched. The Democratic Republic of Congo holds some of the world’s most valuable mineral resources, including the largest global supply of cobalt as well as significant deposits of copper… Read More Here

International Cobalt Corporate News

Glencore Secures $115 Million Cobalt Supply for U.S. Stockpile Amid Global Shortages

February 28, 2026February 28, 2026 Constance

Glencore to Supply 2,000 Tons of Cobalt to U.S. National Stockpile as Prices Surge 160% Glencore has reached an agreement to purchase nearly 2,000 metric tons of cobalt valued at approximately $115 million at current market prices from industry veteran Rami Weisfisch, according to sources familiar with the deal. The cobalt, essential for defense and military applications, is expected to be shipped to the United States for inclusion in its planned strategic stockpile. Strategic Context: Reducing Dependence on China The U.S. government under President Donald Trump has been actively pursuing… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

DRC’s Cobalt Quotas Reshape the Global Critical Metals Market

February 28, 2026February 28, 2026 Constance

DRC Cobalt Export Quotas Trigger Global Supply Shock, Expose China’s Strategic Vulnerability The decision by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to impose strict export quotas on cobalt beginning at the end of 2025 marks one of the most consequential interventions ever seen in the critical minerals market. What was framed domestically as a sovereignty-driven reform has rapidly evolved into a global supply shock one that has revealed structural weaknesses in China’s refining dominance and forced a reassessment of supply-chain security across the energy transition ecosystem. A Sovereign Policy… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium

DRC Advances Battery Minerals Strategy Through Partnership Talks with ITC

February 28, 2026February 28, 2026 Constance

DR Congo Seeks ITC Support to Boost Battery Mineral Processing and Integrate into Global EV Supply Chain Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka convened a high-level working session with representatives of the Congolese Battery Council (CCB) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) to structure a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s capacity to process minerals used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The initiative signaled Kinshasa’s determination to accelerate industrialization and move up the global battery value chain. Technical Support to Target Global Markets Under the proposed… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Copper Corporate News Lithium

DRC, Belgium, and KoBold Metals in Dispute Over Colonial Mineral Archives

February 22, 2026February 22, 2026 Constance

Cobalt and Lithium Data Sparks Tension: DRC Seeks KoBold Metals Collaboration as Belgium Restricts Archive Access An economic and strategic dispute is unfolding between Belgium, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the American company KoBold Metals, centering on colonial geological archives housed at the AfricaMuseum in Tervuren. These archives contain detailed data on the DRC’s mineral resources, including cobalt, lithium, and copper now critical to global supply chains. For Kinshasa, these documents are not just historical records; they represent strategic informational capital essential for attracting investment and optimizing resource… Read More Here