The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has resumed exports of cobalt after a 10-month hiatus, according to an announcement by the country's Finance Minister at the close of 2025. The ban, which was instituted early last year, had disrupted global supplies of the critical mineral used extensively in batteries for electric vehicles and electronics.
The DRC accounts for more than 70% of the world's cobalt production, making its export policies a key factor in global market stability. The temporary export curbs highlighted how vulnerable supply chains can be when production is concentrated in a single country. Analysts note that the current global market faces a similar risk due to China's dominance in the extraction and refining of many critical minerals.
Exploration companies like Numa Numa Resources Inc. are making progress in identifying viable deposits of cobalt and other minerals, which could help diversify supply sources in the future. However, developing new mines is a lengthy and capital-intensive process, meaning the DRC's role as a primary supplier will remain critical in the near term.
The resumption of exports is expected to ease price pressures that emerged during the ban, when cobalt prices spiked due to supply shortages. Battery manufacturers and automakers, which had been scrambling to secure alternative sources or reduce cobalt content in their batteries, may now see some relief. However, the event has reinforced calls for greater diversification of supply chains for critical minerals.
The DRC's move also underscores the geopolitical dimensions of mineral supply. The country has sought to leverage its dominant position in cobalt to negotiate better terms with foreign investors and increase domestic processing capabilities. The temporary ban was seen as a tactic to boost local refining and create more value within the DRC before exporting.
As global demand for cobalt continues to grow, driven by the energy transition and electrification of transport, the stability of supply from the DRC remains a key concern. The resumption of exports is a positive development for the market, but the underlying vulnerabilities exposed by the ban persist.
