Congo Bans Copper and Cobalt Concentrate Exports in Push for Local Processing

Congo Bans Copper and Cobalt Concentrate Exports in Push for Local Processing

The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned the export of copper and cobalt concentrates as part of a renewed effort to strengthen domestic mineral processing and retain a greater share of the value generated from its vast natural resources.

The government directive, reviewed by Reuters, took effect immediately and forms part of a broader strategy to encourage mining companies to process more of their minerals within the country before exporting them to international markets.

Although the ban is now in force, the order allows authorities to grant export waivers for up to one year in cases considered strategically important.

However, the government did not specify the conditions under which such exemptions would be approved.

Officials said the policy is intended to promote the production and export of higher-value mineral products rather than concentrates, a move aimed at expanding local industry, creating jobs and increasing economic returns from one of the country’s most important sectors.

The order was signed by Mines Minister Louis Kabamba Watum, Foreign Trade Minister Julien Paluku Kahongya and Economy Minister Daniel Mukoko Samba.

It also introduces a new tax regime covering economically significant mining by-products, with companies given a three-month transition period before the new rules take full effect.

As the world’s largest producer of cobalt and one of Africa’s leading copper suppliers, the Democratic Republic of Congo occupies a strategic position in the global supply chain for minerals used in electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy technologies and other industries driving the energy transition.

This is not the first time Kinshasa has imposed restrictions on concentrate exports. Similar measures were introduced in 2013, 2019 and 2023, although exemptions were granted when local smelting capacity was considered insufficient.

The latest directive replaces the previous framework with broader rules governing mineral exports and the taxation of mining by-products.

The announcement also influenced global commodity markets. After Reuters reported the government’s decision, benchmark three-month copper prices on the London Metal Exchange rose sharply before easing later in the trading session.

Official data indicate that most of Congo’s copper is already exported as refined metal rather than concentrate, leading analysts to suggest that the overall impact on the mining industry may be limited.

However, companies that still rely on exporting concentrates under special exemptions could face greater adjustments.

Among those expected to be most affected is the Kamoa-Kakula mining project, jointly owned by Ivanhoe Mines, China’s Zijin Mining and the Congolese government.

Industry analysts said the venture continues to export some concentrates under previous exemptions, although the companies had not commented on the new policy at the time of reporting.

The latest move reflects Congo’s continuing effort to capture more economic value from its mineral wealth at a time when global demand for copper and cobalt remains strong, fuelled by the rapid expansion of clean energy and battery technologies.