The DRC’s strategic minerals regulator ARECOMS replaced its 2025 cobalt export ban with a quota system, capping exports at 96,600 tonnes annually for both 2026 and 2027 — roughly half of 2024 export volumes. Of the total, 87,000 tonnes is allocated pro rata to producers based on historical export volumes, while 9,600 tonnes is held in a discretionary ARECOMS strategic reserve for nationally significant projects. The framework, formalized as ARECOMS Decision No. 004/2025, is designed to support prices and push miners toward greater domestic value capture in a country that supplies roughly 70% of global cobalt.
Policy Details
What Changes
Replaced the Feb 2025 cobalt concentrate export ban (twice extended, ending 15 Oct 2025) with a monthly-then-annual quota system. 2026-2027 annual cap set at 96,600t (87,000t pro-rata to producers, 9,600t ARECOMS strategic reserve); from 2026 onward, unused monthly quotas are reclaimed and reallocated to the strategic reserve rather than carried forward.
Who Is Affected
CMOC Group, Glencore and Eurasian Resources Group (control >60% of allocations across 5 major operations); Entreprise Generale du Cobalt (EGC) and STL are exempted from standard quota rules
Why It Matters
Government aims to rebuild cobalt prices after a supply glut (2024 production ~204,000t vs. 96,600t cap), while using the discretionary strategic reserve to seed domestic refining and other nationally strategic projects
Expected Impact
Roughly halves DRC cobalt export volumes versus 2024; tightens global cobalt hydroxide supply and raises input costs for cathode/battery manufacturers; strengthens DRC's price-setting leverage as the dominant global supplier
Risks / Uncertainties
Opaque, discretionary allocation of the strategic reserve; advocacy groups (e.g., Resource Matters) flag investment deterrence; DRC currently has no active domestic cobalt refining capacity to make use of retained material; penalties for violations can include permanent export bans
What Happens Next
Track quarterly ARECOMS adjustments, how EGC/STL deploy strategic-quota material, and any announcements of new DRC-based cobalt refining capacity
Commercial Opportunity
Opportunities in DRC-based cobalt refining/chemical conversion capacity, EGC-linked joint ventures, and quota-compliance/allocation advisory services
Procurement & Contract Outlook
Commercial Opportunity Intelligence
Connected Intelligence
Analyst Notes
Primary legal instrument: ARECOMS Decision No. 004/2025