D.R. Congo Extends Cobalt Export Quotas to March 2026

The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced an extension to its cobalt export quotas, allowing shipments allocated under the fourth quarter 2025 limits to be executed until March 31, 2026. This decision comes as authorities continue to finalize the country’s new cobalt export quota system, a process that has taken longer than initially expected. The move is intended to stabilize supply conditions after months of volatility and disruption in the global cobalt market, which had been affected by earlier export restrictions.

The Democratic Republic of Congo remains the dominant force in global cobalt production, accounting for more than 70 percent of the world’s mined supply, with output estimated at approximately 280,000 metric tons this year. Earlier in the year, a months-long export ban sharply tightened global supply, driving prices higher and raising concerns among battery manufacturers and industrial consumers. In response, the government introduced a quota-based export framework on October 16, allocating 18,125 metric tons of cobalt for the fourth quarter. This system is designed as a transitional step toward a more controlled export regime, with annual cobalt exports set to be capped at 96,600 metric tons starting in 2026.

According to the country’s mining regulator, ARECOMS, the fourth quarter quotas will remain valid until March 31, giving exporters additional time to complete regulatory procedures such as loading operations, customs payments, and final shipment authorizations. Among the largest beneficiaries of the fourth quarter allocations are CMOC, which received 6,650 metric tons, and Glencore, which was allocated 3,925 metric tons. Glencore is expected to be the first producer to test the new quota system in practice, while authorities have already begun preparations for CMOC’s initial cobalt shipment under the framework. ARECOMS has also indicated that it may review requests from companies seeking modifications to their allocated quotas, although no official date has yet been announced for the full implementation of the quota system.

From a broader perspective, the extension of the fourth quarter quotas provides temporary relief to miners and global buyers by easing immediate supply pressures while regulatory systems are refined. For Africa’s mining sector, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this approach signals a shift toward more structured resource governance aimed at balancing state revenue, market stability, and long-term sustainability. If successfully implemented, the quota system could enhance price predictability and strengthen the country’s negotiating position in critical mineral markets, although it may also limit short-term export volumes and require producers to adapt to tighter regulatory oversight.

Mini-Glossary

• Cobalt export quota: A government-imposed limit on how much cobalt can be exported within a specific period.
• Metric ton: A unit of weight equal to 1,000 kilograms.
• Regulatory framework: A set of rules and procedures established by authorities to govern an industry.
• Supply pressures: Market conditions where demand exceeds available supply, often leading to higher prices.
• Critical minerals: Raw materials that are economically important and have a high risk of supply disruption.

Editor: Vural Burç ÇAKIR