DRC’s EGC Fills Cobalt Export Quota, Seeks Direct Deals with Battery Makers

Published: Aug 31, 2026 14:14

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According to Reuters on August 28, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s state-backed artisanal cobalt buyer, Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC), has fully utilized 100% of its allocated cobalt export quota. So far this year, EGC has exported 3,995 tonnes of contained cobalt and around 1,400 tonnes of copper. While some producers have been unable to fully use their quotas due to complex export procedures, EGC has completed its entire allocation.

EGC currently sells cobalt mainly through Trafigura, Mercuria and Traxys, and plans to strengthen direct cooperation with battery manufacturers, automakers and other end-users to expand the market for traceable artisanal cobalt. Artisanal and small-scale mining accounts for about 15%-25% of cobalt production in the DRC. EGC aims to improve traceability through formalized management and meet international responsible sourcing requirements. It is currently working with five mining cooperatives, with another 12 partnerships under development.

On logistics, EGC recently made its first shipment through the Lobito Corridor, exporting 587 tonnes of cobalt and 500 tonnes of copper cathodes. Transit time was around five days, significantly shorter than about 28 days via Dar es Salaam and more than 30 days via Durban, helping improve export efficiency and supply-chain flexibility.

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