The Democratic Republic of Congo has introduced stricter export conditions for cobalt, reinforcing state control over one of the world’s most strategic battery minerals as the country rolls out a new quota regime, according to a government circular.
Under the rules, cobalt producers must pay a 10 percent royalty in advance within 48 hours of submitting export documentation and obtain a series of verification certificates before material can leave the country. All shipments will undergo physical inspection and multi-agency monitoring, part of a process the government says is designed to boost transparency and state revenues.
The measures are the latest phase of a policy overhaul that began in October, when Kinshasa lifted a months-long export ban and announced a quota system for cobalt a key ingredient in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Congo accounts for more than 70 percent of global supply, giving it outsized influence over a mineral central to the energy transition.
But since the ban was removed, exports have not resumed, with producers still seeking clarity on compliance procedures and the financial impact of the new requirements.
A joint circular issued by the mines and finance ministries on 26 November details mandatory joint sampling, weighing and sealing of export consignments. Exporters will need a quota verification certificate from the Authority for the Regulation and Control of Strategic Mineral Substances’ Markets (ARECOMS) before customs clearance, along with a “liberatory receipt” confirming advance royalty payment.
Failure to comply could result in licence suspension or revocation, the circular notes.
For the fourth quarter of 2025, the government set a quota of 18,125 tonnes, rising to 96,600 tonnes in 2026. The largest allocations are understood to have gone to major operators including Glencore and China’s CMOC, while 10 percent of total volumes will be held as a strategic reserve under ARECOMS oversight.
A mining executive, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, told Reuters that companies were still seeking clarity on whether the 10% royalty deduction would be calculated based on previous export values. Panmure Liberum analyst Duncan Hay said shifting rules and last-minute payment demands would likely “keep exports and prices volatile.”
The new restriction on Cobalt export
The latest restrictions come as Congo seeks greater value from its mineral wealth amid rising global demand. Cobalt prices have been volatile for much of the past two years, with a supply glut and Chinese market dominance weighing on the sector. Kinshasa has long argued that poorly regulated exports, aggressive transfer pricing and opaque sales arrangements have deprived the state of revenue.
The new quota framework is also part of a wider effort to reshape governance of strategic minerals. In recent years, President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration has pushed to formalise artisanal mining, renegotiate legacy contracts and increase in-country processing though progress has been mixed and policy uncertainty remains a concern for investors.
In July, the DRC launched its first batch of traceable artisanal cobalt, a pilot initiative aimed at addressing longstanding concerns over child labour, safety and illegal mining networks. The government also entered a partnership with Swiss trader Mercuria to market cobalt, copper and related critical minerals, signalling its intention to play a more active role in global supply chains.
Congo is simultaneously attempting to grow domestic refining capacity through joint ventures with Chinese partners, though infrastructure gaps and persistent power shortages have slowed expansion. Analysts say the new export rules could further complicate operations for producers already dealing with security risks, logistical challenges and regulatory unpredictability.
Despite these pressures, the DRC remains central to the global EV supply chain, and any disruption to its exports carries potential consequences for battery manufacturers and automakers. While cobalt’s share in battery chemistry has declined due to technological shifts, the mineral remains essential for high-performance and long-range EVs.
As major economies accelerate decarbonisation plans, Congo’s decisions on quotas, royalties and export oversight will continue to reverberate across the global battery industry — and shape the future of one of Africa’s most critical mining frontiers.
