Temporary suspension of cobalt export from the Democratic Republic of Congo

On February 22, 2025, the Authority for the Regulation and Control of Strategic Mineral Substances' Markets (ARECOMS) imposed Decision No. 001/ARECOMS/2025 of February 22, 2025, suspending the export of cobalt from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Communication No. 2025/003. The suspension is applicable to all types of cobalt mining, including industrial, semi-industrial and artisanal.
This was a temporary suspension on cobalt exports to be in force until 21 June 2025, in response to the high level of stock on the market. On the date of finalisation, ARECOMS published a new communication extending the ban for three additional months until 21 September 2025. 
On 21 September 2025, ARECOMS extended the ban further to 15 October 2025, along with a new policy establishing an export quota, to be implemented from 16 October 2025.

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