Mercuria and EGC Sign Strategic MOU to Develop “Gold Standard” Responsible Cobalt Supply Chain in the DRC

Published: Mar 25, 2026 08:00
Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) and Mercuria Energy Trading will cooperate to advance the standardized development of the Kasulo mine site in Kolwezi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and build a supporting cobalt supply chain. This collaboration aims to establish a "Gold Standard" for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of cobalt, setting the Kasulo mine as a global benchmark for transparency, sustainability and ethical sourcing in cobalt production. Under the agreement, EGC and Mercuria will work together with local cooperatives, Gécamines, as well as the central and local governments of the DRC to formulate a comprehensive framework covering occupational health and safety, human rights protection, environmental management and full supply chain traceability.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
M2i, Volato, and Regenerate Technology Global Partner to Advance Sustainable Battery Recycling in the U.S.
4 hours ago
M2i, Volato, and Regenerate Technology Global Partner to Advance Sustainable Battery Recycling in the U.S.
Read More
M2i, Volato, and Regenerate Technology Global Partner to Advance Sustainable Battery Recycling in the U.S.
M2i, Volato, and Regenerate Technology Global Partner to Advance Sustainable Battery Recycling in the U.S.
M2i Global, Inc. and Volato Group, Inc., together with Regenerate Technology Global, have formed a strategic partnership announced on April 20, 2026, to develop and deploy advanced battery recycling technology in the United States. The new approach is designed to be much more efficient and environmentally friendly, reducing energy use by more than 80% and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by around 90% compared to conventional smelting processes. It can process different types of batteries, including lithium-ion, lead-acid, and alkaline, and enhances recycled “black mass” to produce high-purity materials suitable for new battery manufacturing more quickly and efficiently.
4 hours ago
[Lithium Battery: Zhaoxin Shares Establishes Joint Venture Company]
12 hours ago
[Lithium Battery: Zhaoxin Shares Establishes Joint Venture Company]
Read More
[Lithium Battery: Zhaoxin Shares Establishes Joint Venture Company]
[Lithium Battery: Zhaoxin Shares Establishes Joint Venture Company]
On April 21, news emerged that Zhaoxin Shares disclosed an announcement regarding its wholly-owned subsidiary's external investment to establish a joint venture company. The company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Qinghai Ruiqi New Material Technology Co., Ltd., plans to sign a "Joint Venture Operating Agreement" with Shenzhen Chaochuang Sanre New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. to jointly invest in establishing a joint venture company, deepening upstream and downstream supply chain cooperation in salt lake resources. The company aims to achieve deep synergy in areas such as the development and utilization of salt lake resources, waste battery recycling, and lithium-containing raw materials.
12 hours ago
[Lithium Battery: Tianqi Lithium's Q1 2026 Net Profit Expected To Reach 2 Billion Yuan]
12 hours ago
[Lithium Battery: Tianqi Lithium's Q1 2026 Net Profit Expected To Reach 2 Billion Yuan]
Read More
[Lithium Battery: Tianqi Lithium's Q1 2026 Net Profit Expected To Reach 2 Billion Yuan]
[Lithium Battery: Tianqi Lithium's Q1 2026 Net Profit Expected To Reach 2 Billion Yuan]
On April 20, Tianqi Lithium Corporation released its performance forecast for the first quarter of 2026. The company expects its first-quarter performance to show a significant year-on-year increase, with net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company ranging from 1.7 billion yuan to 2.0 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 1530.31% to 1818.01%. On the one hand, benefiting from the development of the new energy industry and growth in downstream demand, the company's operating revenue for the first quarter increased significantly compared to the same period last year. On the other hand, the company's investment income from its associate SQM increased significantly year-on-year.
12 hours ago