The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced stricter controls over its cobalt exports by reclaiming unused export quotas and reallocating them to a state-controlled reserve, reinforcing the country’s strategy to maximise the value of its critical mineral resources.
In a notice issued by the country’s strategic minerals regulator, ARECOMS, all cobalt export quotas allocated for the first half of 2026 that remain unused by 30 June will be withdrawn and transferred to what the regulator describes as a strategic quota. The new measures will take effect from 1 July.
The move follows the introduction of export quotas earlier this year as the government seeks greater oversight of cobalt shipments from the world’s largest producing nation. The Democratic Republic of Congo accounts for more than 70% of global cobalt reserves, making its policy decisions highly influential in international battery metals markets.
Authorities said the reclaimed quotas will be reserved for projects considered to be of national importance, including initiatives aimed at expanding domestic mineral processing, increasing value addition and strengthening the country’s long-term economic interests.
Companies that do not utilise their allocated quotas before the deadline will lose those volumes permanently, with the unused allocations deducted from their original quota and barred from being carried over into future allocation periods.
The regulator has also introduced tighter logistics requirements. Only cobalt shipments entered into the customs system by 5 July will qualify for export under the first-half quota allocations.
ARECOMS warned that companies could face additional penalties, including the complete withdrawal of export quotas, if they fail to ship allocated volumes, transfer quotas without approval, process third-party or artisanal cobalt without authorisation, or violate regulatory requirements.
The government’s efforts come after cobalt prices climbed sharply following export restrictions introduced in 2025. Market prices have risen significantly as supply constraints from the world’s leading producer tightened global availability.
Major international mining companies operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo include China’s CMOC and Huayou Cobalt, commodities giant Glencore, and Eurasian Resources Group, all of which play a significant role in the global cobalt supply chain.
The latest measures form part of the Congolese government’s broader strategy to strengthen control over its vast mineral wealth and capture a greater share of the economic benefits generated by growing global demand for battery materials used in electric vehicles and energy storage technologies.