[Important] DRC Suspends Cobalt Exports for Four Months

The Strategic Minerals Market Regulation and Control Management Committee (ARECOMS) of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently issued urgent regulatory measures for the cobalt industry. To accelerate the rectification of the cobalt market and adjust the production and export methods of cobalt accordingly, the committee implemented significant regulatory measures on February 22: a four-month suspension of cobalt exports produced from all mining activities within the DRC. The measures will be evaluated after three months, and adjustments or termination of the temporary suspension may be made if necessary.

Original Text:

ARECOMS

Bulletin No. 2025/002

Urgent Regulatory Measures for the Cobalt Industry

Considering the need to determine urgent measures for the cobalt industry chain, particularly to accelerate its rectification and adjust the production and export methods of cobalt accordingly, operators in the mining sector are hereby informed that the Board of Directors of the Strategic Minerals Market Regulation and Control Management Committee (ARECOMS) adopted significant regulatory measures on February 22, 2025. The following summary highlights the key points:

► Urgent Regulatory Measures Applicable to All Activities Related to the Cobalt Industry Chain

1. The export of cobalt mined within the DRC, whether from industrial, semi-industrial, small-scale, or artisanal mining, is suspended for four months.

2. The measures will be evaluated within three months, after which the temporary suspension may be modified or terminated based on the situation.

3. Relevant national departments, particularly the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA), the Directorate General of Migration (DGM), and border agencies, are obligated to ensure strict enforcement of these measures.

► Urgent Regulatory Measures for Artisanal Mining and Processing of Cobalt Ore

4. The mixing of cobalt ore mined through uncertified artisanal or semi-industrial methods with industrially produced ore is strictly prohibited, as is the export of products resulting from such mixing.

5. Cobalt mining must comply with the current laws and regulations of the DRC as well as the standards of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

6. The presence of children, pregnant women, and vulnerable groups, as well as unsafe working conditions and practices that do not comply with national and international human rights directives or rules, is prohibited at mining sites and throughout the supply chain.

7. The responsible sourcing standards established by the General Cobalt Company (EGC) are adopted as the national standard for the industry.

8. Without prejudice to the aforementioned temporary export suspension measures, all cobalt mined through artisanal or semi-industrial methods must be exported exclusively by the General Cobalt Company.

9. Without prejudice to the aforementioned temporary export suspension measures, processing entities without formal supply sources are prohibited from exporting cobalt. Their export licenses should be immediately revoked by the competent authorities.

10. According to Article 8 of Decree No. 25/05 dated February 21, 2025, any cooperative relationship between the General Cobalt Company and holders of mining and/or quarrying rights, whereby the latter agrees to provide part of their scope to the General Cobalt Company for its corporate purposes, shall not, where applicable, involve the transfer, abandonment, or relinquishment of any rights or ownership.

► Penalties

11. Any violation of these provisions constituting a criminal offense under the Penal Code will be punished in accordance with the provisions of that law.

12. Any violation of these provisions constituting a criminal offense under the Mining Code will be punished in accordance with the provisions of that law.

Spot Market

》Click to View SMM New Energy Products Spot Prices

Regarding spot prices, according to SMM spot quotations, stimulated by the news on February 25, refined cobalt spot prices surged by 4,000 yuan/mt in a single day. As of February 25, refined cobalt spot prices rose to 15.3-18 yuan/mt, with an average price of 16.65 yuan/mt, marking a daily increase of 2.46%.

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》Reports of DRC Suspending Cobalt Exports Drive Spot and Energy Metals Sectors to Surge—What Are the Implications for the Market? [SMM News]