DRC Extends Cobalt Export Ban to Boost Market Control and Local Processing
President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi has reaffirmed the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) commitment to maintaining the suspension of cobalt exports, as per the timetable set by the Strategic Mineral Substances Market Regulatory and Control Authority (ARECOMS) since February 22, 2025. The decision was confirmed during the 36th Council of Ministers meeting on March 21.
“To safeguard the state’s strategic interests and enhance the sector’s economic attractiveness, the President has directed that the suspension of exports remain in place in accordance with ARECOMS’ decisions,” the government reported.
Tshisekedi highlighted the suspension’s success, citing a cobalt price surge of over 50%—the highest level since May 2023.
“This validates the government’s approach and paves the way for a substantial recovery of state revenues from this resource,” a government spokesperson stated.
ARECOMS has set a four-month suspension period, after which a comprehensive review will determine whether to extend the ban or implement new strategies to stabilize the market and advance local industrialization.
The President emphasized that the DRC must move beyond being a raw material supplier and take control of the cobalt value chain through local refining and processing.
“Our ultimate goal is full mastery of cobalt production, ensuring the DRC becomes a key player in the global strategic minerals market,” Tshisekedi stated.
He instructed ARECOMS and relevant government bodies, under the supervision of the Minister of Mines, to enforce the export ban strictly and implement measures to regulate cobalt trade effectively.
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