DRC to Enforce 2025 Cobalt Export Quotas as First Pilot Shipment Set to Depart
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has pledged to honor cobalt export quotas allocated to miners for 2025, despite months of delays under the new regulatory framework, its mining regulator, ARECOMS, has confirmed. A pilot shipment is reportedly set to move “within days.”
The DRC, which supplies over 70% of the world’s cobalt, introduced quotas in October following a months-long export ban aimed at curbing oversupply and stabilizing prices. Exports stalled as companies awaited guidance on compliance under the new rules.
The country’s Chamber of Mines has requested discussions with ARECOMS regarding delays and concerns over the regulator’s 10% strategic stock but has yet to receive a response.
Glencore is among the miners cleared to test the system. ARECOMS told Reuters that the first cargo will be released “in the coming days” once a 10% royalty is paid, though details on volume and timing were not disclosed.
“It was essential to ensure the robustness of controls before resuming exports,” the regulator said, adding, “We can guarantee that the quotas allocated to companies by ARECOMS will be respected.”
The quota system allocates 18,125 metric tons for the fourth quarter of 2025 and caps annual exports at 96,600 tons from 2026. China’s CMOC and Glencore, the world’s largest producers, received the largest shares at 6,650 tons and 3,925 tons, respectively, while ARECOMS retains 10% for a strategic reserve. Glencore declined to comment.
Kinshasa-based analyst Jean Pierre Okenda cautioned that the lack of transparency regarding ARECOMS’ 10% strategic stock could pose risks. “We see no direct link between creating a 10% stock and market needs,” he said, emphasizing the importance of accountability for market stability.
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