The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will permanently bar cobalt exporters who exceed newly imposed quotas. The measure replaces a temporary export ban with a quota system designed to stabilize global prices, curb smuggling, and tighten state oversight of one of the country’s most valuable resources.

Under the new framework, individual exporters may ship up to 18 125 metric tons of cobalt for the remainder of 2025, with annual quotas rising to 96 600 tons in 2026 and 2027. Any company that violates the limits will lose its export license permanently.

The DRC accounts for about 70% of the world’s cobalt supply, a critical metal used in electric vehicle batteries and renewable-energy storage. The government says the new regime will prevent market oversupply, reduce tax evasion through neighbouring countries, and ensure greater transparency in revenue collection.

The reforms come as fighting intensifies in the mineral-rich east, where clashes between government forces and the M23 rebel group continue to disrupt mining operations. President Felix Tshisekedi framed the quotas as part of a broader effort to protect national interests and reassert control over the strategic sector amid ongoing instability.