Congo (DRC) lifted its ban on cobalt exports in mid-October and implemented an annual quota system

On September 22, Congo's strategic minerals regulator said on Sunday that the country will lift its ban on the export of cobalt on October 16 and implement an annual export quota. Cobalt is a key battery raw material and is crucial to the electric vehicle industry. According to the announcement, miners will be allowed to export up to 18,125 tons of cobalt for the rest of 2025, with an annual cap of 96,600 tons in 2026 and 2027. Congo, which accounted for about 70% of global cobalt production last year, has suspended exports since February as cobalt prices fell to a nine-year low, and extended the ban in June. Against the backdrop of escalating conflict in the eastern part of the country, the government says illegal mining is fueling violence by the M23 rebels. The regulator said that 10% of the future export volume will be reserved for national strategic projects, and the regulator has the right to buy back cobalt stocks that exceed the quarterly authorized quotas of each company.