The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is considering imposing strict limitations on cobalt exports once its current four-month ban expires, a top government official announced on Wednesday.
Patrick Luabeya, president of the Authority for the Regulation and Control of Strategic Mineral Substances’ Markets, said during a conference in Singapore that the government is preparing further restrictions due to persistent oversupply in both domestic and international markets.
“The stockpiles that have suppressed prices have not yet been exhausted, although they have been significantly reduced,” Luabeya stated.
He added that the agency’s upcoming decision “will inevitably involve strict export limitations, either partially or entirely, until market balance is restored between cobalt supply and demand.”
The DRC, the world’s largest cobalt producer, introduced the export ban in February 2025 in a bid to stabilize falling prices of the key battery metal, which is used in electric vehicles and smartphones.
The export strategy is still under review, according to Mines Minister Kizito Pakabomba, who confirmed that discussions are ongoing with major industry stakeholders — including mining giants Glencore, Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), and China Molybdenum (CMOC).
Luabeya said the government will consult with industry players again in June before announcing a final decision on whether to extend or adjust the current ban.
In March, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa announced that the DRC plans to introduce cobalt export quotas following the ban and is exploring a partnership with Indonesia — another key producer — to better coordinate global supply and pricing strategies.
