DRC Moves to Verify Uranium Concerns in Cobalt Exports as Chinese Miners Reassure Markets
DRC Investigates Uranium Traces in Cobalt Exports as Chinese Miners Reaffirm Compliance
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is moving to verify reports of uranium traces in some cobalt hydroxide exports, while Chinese-backed mining companies operating in the country have reaffirmed their compliance with local regulations and applicable quality standards.
The issue follows an investigation that raised concerns about uranium levels in cobalt produced in southeastern DRC.
Historical documents cited in the investigation suggested that some cobalt products may have exceeded regulatory thresholds for uranium between 2016 and 2020.
Uranium naturally occurs alongside copper and cobalt deposits in the DRC’s southern Copperbelt.
However, no evidence has been established that uranium was deliberately extracted during the cobalt refining process in China.
DRC Launches Verification Process
The Congolese government said naturally occurring uranium in copper- and cobalt-bearing deposits in Lualaba and Haut-Katanga is a known geological characteristic of the region.
Authorities have questioned whether existing estimates accurately reflect uranium levels in exported cobalt, noting that some conclusions were based on modelling rather than direct testing of individual shipments.
The government has therefore announced a verification programme involving representative samples of exported cobalt hydroxide.
The samples will be analysed by national and internationally accredited laboratories, while an inter-ministerial working group will review the findings.
The government said the results will be made public and indicated that technical support from the International Atomic Energy Agency could also be sought.
Chinese Mining Companies Defend Compliance
The Union of Mining Companies with Chinese Capital in the DRC said its members comply with Congolese mining regulations and maintain quality-control procedures for exported cobalt products.
The organisation said regular sampling and testing are conducted and maintained that cobalt hydroxide can contain naturally occurring traces of uranium while remaining within applicable standards.
CMOC Group, owner of Tenke Fungurume Mining, has also disputed aspects of the findings, maintaining that its cobalt products comply with applicable regulations and customer requirements.
The company has questioned whether measurements taken at specific stages of production accurately represent the final cobalt hydroxide shipped to customers.
Independent Testing to Determine Findings
The DRC’s verification process is expected to provide clearer evidence of uranium levels in exported cobalt and help distinguish naturally occurring uranium from any concentration during processing.
The outcome could have implications for supply-chain assurance and international buyer confidence, particularly given the DRC’s position as the world’s leading cobalt producer.
For now, the issue remains subject to further technical verification, with reliable testing expected to play a central role in establishing the facts.
