Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo – December 13, 2025 (Clarion Newschannel) – The Democratic Republic of Congo’s mining regulator has pledged to honor all allocated cobalt export quotas for 2025, assuring producers they will retain their full volumes despite prolonged procedural delays that have halted shipments for months. A pilot shipment, involving mining giant Glencore, is now imminent as testing of the new export system nears completion.
The Authority for the Regulation and Control of Strategic Mineral Substances’ Markets (ARECOMS) stated on December 11 that “all means are being deployed to finalize the testing phase in the coming days,” paving the way for the resumption of exports. The regulator emphasized that quotas for the fourth quarter “will not be lost by mining companies,” with options under review to extend allowances into 2026 if necessary.
This reassurance addresses growing concerns among producers after the introduction of stringent new export rules in October, which replaced a nine-month ban imposed in February to combat oversupply and bolster prices. The DRC, responsible for over 70% of global cobalt production—a metal vital for electric vehicle batteries and aerospace applications—allocated 18,125 metric tons for export in the final quarter of 2025, with annual caps set at 96,600 tons starting in 2026.
Delays stemmed from complex compliance requirements, including mandatory prepayment of a 10% royalty within 48 hours, quality sampling, lab certifications, and issuance of a Quota Verification Certificate before any cargo can move. These measures aim to enhance oversight and traceability but have frustrated miners, with no full shipments occurring until recently.
In a breakthrough, Glencore became the first company to dispatch a small pilot shipment under the new regime, following approval pending royalty payment. Government sources confirmed the cargo’s release as a test process, with CMOC—holder of the largest quota at 6,650 tons for Q4—also initiating procedures. Glencore operates major mines like Mutanda and Katanga, while top allocations reflect historical production data from recent years.
The quota system has already transformed the market: since the February ban, cobalt prices have more than doubled, with cobalt hydroxide—the primary DRC export—quadrupling from historic lows. Analysts note the restrictions have tightened global supply chains, particularly for Chinese refiners who dominate downstream processing.
ARECOMS retains a 10% strategic reserve for national projects, underscoring the government’s push for greater value addition through local refining. Non-compliance risks quota revocation, but the latest pledge signals commitment to a stable rollout.
As the world’s leading cobalt supplier navigates these controls, the imminent pilot marks a critical step toward normalizing exports and stabilizing the battery metal market.
Clarion Newschannel will continue tracking developments in this key sector.
DRC Reassures Miners: Full Cobalt Export Quotas Preserved Despite Delays, Pilot Shipment Set for Imminent Departure
