DRC Copper Price Climbs 1.93% to US$14,705 per Tonne as Cobalt Gains 0.23%
Copper and cobalt prices recorded increases on international markets during the week of October 19–24, 2026, providing a positive development for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), one of the world’s leading producers of both metals.
According to price schedules published by the DRC Ministry of Foreign Trade, the price of copper rose by 1.93% to US$14,705.35 per tonne on October 19, compared with US$14,425.60 the previous week.
Cobalt prices also increased, gaining 0.23% to US$38,596 per tonne from US$38,507 in the preceding week.
The movements reflect contrasting but generally positive developments for the two metals, which are central to the DRC’s mining exports and play important roles in global industrial supply chains.
Copper Prices Recover
Copper recorded a notable recovery after declining by 1.20% during the week of October 12–17, when its price fell to US$14,425.60 per tonne from US$14,601.60.
The latest increase brought the metal’s price back above US$14,700 per tonne, strengthening its position among the DRC’s most valuable mineral exports.
Copper is widely used in electrical wiring, power transmission infrastructure, construction and industrial equipment. Demand for the metal is also supported by electrification, renewable energy development and the expansion of electricity networks.
For the DRC, higher copper prices can improve export earnings and potentially support government revenue and investment across the mining value chain. However, the overall economic benefit also depends on production volumes, operating costs and other market conditions.
Cobalt Prices Edge Higher
Cobalt prices increased modestly to US$38,596 per tonne, up from US$38,507 the previous week.
The latest movement followed a 0.63% decline during the week of October 12–17, when the price fell from US$38,754 to US$38,507 per tonne.
Despite the recent fluctuations, cobalt remains strategically important to the DRC, which is the world’s leading producer of the metal. It is primarily mined in the southern provinces of Lualaba and Haut-Katanga, with the Lualaba mining region around Kolwezi serving as a major production centre.
Cobalt is used in certain lithium-ion battery chemistries, particularly those found in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, as well as in specialised industrial applications.
The metal’s price movements are influenced by global demand, supply conditions, inventories and developments in battery technology.
Commodity Prices Remain Important to the DRC Economy
Copper and cobalt are major contributors to the DRC’s mining exports, making their international prices important to the country’s trade performance and broader economic outlook.
Weekly price changes can affect export values, although the full impact depends on production levels, contractual arrangements and the prices realised by individual mining companies.
The latest increases highlight the continuing importance of international commodity markets to the DRC’s mining industry.
Alongside expanding production, strengthening local mineral processing and developing downstream industries could help the country capture greater value from its copper and cobalt resources.
As global demand for metals used in electrification and industrial development evolves, the DRC’s ability to combine competitive production with greater domestic value addition will remain important to maximising the long-term economic benefits of its mineral wealth.
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