Cobalt - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

US Backs Zambia’s Copper and Cobalt Expansion to Counter China’s Dominance

September 21, 2025September 21, 2025 Constance

USTDA Funds $1.4M Metalex Study to Boost Zambia’s Copper and Cobalt for US Supply Chains The United States is intensifying efforts to secure critical minerals outside China’s control, backing the expansion of a copper and cobalt facility in Zambia. On Thursday, the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a $1.4-million grant to Metalex Africa, a subsidiary of Texas-based Metalex Commodities, to finance a feasibility study for expanding its Kazozu mine in Zambia’s North-Western Province. The study will assess the potential to produce up to 25,000 additional metric tonnes of… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

DRC to Review Cobalt Export Ban as Expert Warns of Diminishing Benefits

September 19, 2025September 19, 2025 Constance

DRC Expected to Reassess Cobalt Export Suspension at Council of Ministers Meeting The Congolese government is expected to review its cobalt export suspension—renewed last June—at the conclusion of the 59th Council of Ministers meeting this Friday. Mining expert Léonide Mupepele warns that the policy is no longer delivering benefits to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Mupepele argues that while the initial suspension boosted cobalt prices significantly, subsequent extensions have had little effect. “The first time, prices jumped from $21,000 per tonne to $33,000, a gain of $13,000. But after… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

Cobalt Prices Rebound as DRC’s Export Ban Reshapes Global Battery Market

September 19, 2025September 19, 2025 Constance

Cobalt Prices Soar 90% in 2025 as Congo Export Ban Tightens Supply for EV Batteries A surge in supply from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—which produces about 80% of the world’s cobalt—combined with sluggish demand from the electric vehicle (EV) sector, drove cobalt prices to historic lows at the beginning of 2025. Copper output in the DRC, much of it controlled by Chinese companies, rose sharply in 2024, driving a nearly 40% increase in the country’s cobalt production. In February, however, the Congolese government imposed a four-month export ban,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

DRC to Decide on Cobalt Export Ban Extension or Lifting by September 21, 2025

September 10, 2025September 10, 2025 Constance

DRC Weighs Future of Cobalt Export Ban Ahead of September Deadline Kinshasa, DRC — The Congolese government is expected to announce by September 21, 2025, whether it will extend, modify, or lift its current suspension of cobalt exports to the international market. The measure, first introduced on February 22, 2025, by the Regulatory and Control Authority for Strategic Mineral Substances Markets (ARECOMS), initially imposed a four-month ban on exports of cobalt hydroxides, carbonates, white alloys, and copper-cobalt concentrates. The suspension, which applied to all operators—industrial, semi-industrial, and artisanal— was later… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Cobalt Copper Mining in DRC

Africa Poised to Become Global Hub for Critical Minerals and Industrial Growth

August 28, 2025August 28, 2025 Constance

Africa Poised to Lead Global Critical Minerals Market with Strategic Industrial Transformation African nations have the opportunity to leverage their critical mineral resources to move beyond traditional extraction models and capture far greater value across the entire mining-to-manufacturing value chain. A new report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Africa, titled “Africa’s Critical Minerals Moment: A Strategic Blueprint for Sovereign, Sustainable, and Scalable Growth”, highlights the continent’s potential as a central player in the global critical minerals market, as demand is expected to more than double by 2040. Africa hosts some… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

DRC Poised to Profit as Cobalt Prices Surge Amid Global EV and Battery Demand

August 24, 2025August 24, 2025 Constance

Cobalt Prices Surge, Offering Major Opportunities for the Democratic Republic of Congo The international cobalt market, a key export of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has seen significant growth in recent months. According to the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) in its latest economic outlook, cobalt prices held steady at USD 32,650 per tonne during the last week of July 2025, remaining unchanged into the first week of August. Compared to the end of 2024, cobalt prices have surged by 35.8%, and over the past year—from August 2024 to… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Cobalt

US Plans $500m Cobalt Procurement to Strengthen Defense Mineral Stockpiles

August 24, 2025August 24, 2025 Constance

US Targets $500m Cobalt Purchase for Defense Supply Chain Amid China’s Mineral Restrictions The United States is moving to secure its supply of critical minerals, with the Department of Defense (DoD) announcing plans to procure up to $500 million worth of cobalt for its defense stockpiles. The initiative comes as Washington intensifies efforts to reduce reliance on China’s near-total control of the critical minerals sector. China’s Export Restrictions Spark Urgency The global supply chain for rare earths and other strategic minerals has come under pressure following China’s recent export restrictions.… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Economy

Glencore Warns of Cobalt Stockpile Build-Up Amid Prolonged DRC Export Ban

August 6, 2025August 6, 2025 Constance

Glencore May Be Unable to Sell Cobalt in 2025 Due to Congo Export Ban Glencore (LON: GLEN), the world’s second-largest cobalt producer, issued a warning on Wednesday that a substantial portion of its cobalt output may remain unsold by the end of 2025, citing ongoing export restrictions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The DRC, which produces the majority of the world’s cobalt, imposed a four-month export ban in February 2025 after prices plunged to a nine-year low. In June, the Congolese government extended the ban by an additional… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Economy

DRC Aims to Boost Local Cobalt Refining by Targeting Fairer Prices and Long-Term Market Stability

July 27, 2025July 27, 2025 Constance

Congo Eyes Cobalt Price Rebound to Drive Local Refining, Reduce China’s Dominance The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is pushing for a sustainable cobalt price to encourage domestic processing, as the government charts its course following a suspension of cobalt exports. The move, part of a broader strategy to stabilize global markets and attract local investment, comes amid shifting dynamics in the critical battery metal industry. Congo, responsible for nearly 75% of the world’s cobalt supply, first halted exports on February 22 for four months. In June, the government extended… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Copper Corporate News Mergers & Acquisitions

U.S. Consortium Eyes Strategic Acquisition of Chemaf Amid Critical Mineral Race in DRC

July 18, 2025July 18, 2025 Constance

U.S. Firms Orion and Virtus in Talks to Acquire Congo’s Chemaf Resources as Global Cobalt Race Heats Up A U.S.-based consortium, including former special forces and intelligence veterans, is in advanced talks to acquire Chemaf Resources Ltd., a copper and cobalt producer at the heart of intensifying U.S.-China competition over critical minerals in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to sources familiar with the matter, Orion Resource Partners and Virtus Minerals are jointly negotiating the acquisition of Chemaf, which is currently backed by global commodity trader Trafigura Group. While… Read More Here