🇨🇩 Congo to Permanently Ban Cobalt Exporters Who Breach Quotas

Announced: On October 6, 2025, President Felix Tshisekedi declared that any cobalt exporter in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who violates the new quota regime will face permanent bans. Reuters
This is part of a broader shift: from a full export ban earlier in 2025 to a quota-based system starting October 16. Under the new rules, exporters will be limited to 18,125 tons for the remainder of 2025, with annual caps of 96,600 tons for 2026 and 2027. Reuters+2Reuters+2
The move is intended to stabilize global cobalt prices, reduce fraud, and reassert state control over what is a strategic global supply. Tshisekedi credited the earlier export freeze with contributing to a ~92% rebound in prices since March. Reuters
Key players:
- Glencore has expressed support for the quota system. Reuters+2Reuters+2
- CMOC Group, China’s leading cobalt miner, has opposed the strict quotas, arguing they could stifle supply and disrupt market balance. Reuters+2Reuters+2
The country had earlier imposed a complete export suspension in February, and extended it in June, amid a market glut and collapsing cobalt prices. Reuters+2Reuters+2
Under the new system, ARECOMS (the state regulator) retains the authority to allocate and revoke quotas, as well as buy back excess cobalt. Violators will be kicked out permanently. Reuters+1