Mixed Fortunes for DRC Minerals as Copper, Gold, and Tin Prices Decline While Tantalum Gains
DRC Weekly Mineral Prices Show Broad Decline in Copper, Gold, and Zinc as Tantalum and Aluminum Post Gains
The latest export price schedule for mineral products from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, covering the period March 23 to 28, 2026, indicates a general downward trend across several key commodities on international markets, reflecting ongoing price volatility in the global mining sector.
Among the commodities recording declines, zinc posted a notable drop, falling from $3,284.95 to $3,216.70 per tonne.
Gold also moved lower, decreasing to $164 per kilogram from $167.49 in the previous period. Copper, the country’s primary export and a cornerstone of its mining economy, followed the same trend, declining from $12,833.55 to $12,718.45 per tonne.
Other minerals experienced similar downward pressure. Tin prices fell from $49,628.00 to $48,529.00 per tonne, while germanium declined slightly from $6,198.75 to $6,130.35 per kilogram.
Silver recorded a moderate decrease, moving from $2.81 to $2.74 per kilogram, and nickel edged lower from $15,262.13 to $15,238.26 per tonne.
These shifts highlight the sensitivity of mineral markets to global demand fluctuations and macroeconomic conditions.
Tantalum and Aluminum Buck the Trend
In contrast to the broader market slowdown, tantalum recorded a strong price increase, rising significantly from $622.80 to $717.40 per kilogram.
The surge reflects sustained global demand for the mineral, particularly in electronics and advanced manufacturing applications.
Aluminum ingots also registered gains, increasing from $1,602.48 to $1,634.94 per tonne, signalling steady industrial demand.
Cobalt Prices Remain Stable After Policy Shift
Meanwhile, cobalt, a strategic mineral essential to battery production and the global energy transition, remained stable at approximately $55,600 per tonne.
The DRC continues to dominate global cobalt supply, maintaining its position as the world’s leading producer.
Market stability in cobalt prices follows a significant policy move by the country’s regulatory authority, the ARECOMS, which lifted a temporary export suspension in October 2025. Since the policy change, cobalt prices have generally remained above $50,000 per tonne, reflecting improved market confidence and sustained demand.
Outlook for the Mining Sector
The latest price movements underscore the dynamic nature of global commodity markets, where shifts in industrial demand, supply dynamics, and policy decisions can quickly influence export revenues.
For the Democratic Republic of the Congo, maintaining stable production and adapting to market trends will remain critical as the country continues to play a central role in supplying minerals essential to global manufacturing and the clean energy transition.
