Congo bans copper, cobalt concentrate exports to boost domestic processing

The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, escalating its efforts to process minerals domestically and capture more value from its vast natural resources. A government order reviewed by Reuters indicates the ban is effective immediately.

The move aims to compel mining operators to process minerals within the country, thereby increasing the value retained from exports. While the order allows for one-year export waivers under strategic circumstances, it also introduces a tax regime with a three-month transition period for economically significant mining by-products. The ban is motivated by the "need to encourage mining operators to market or export commercial mineral products with high added value," according to the order.

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the export of copper and cobalt concentrates is prohibited

This is not the first time Congo has imposed such restrictions. The nation has previously banned concentrate exports in 2013, 2019, and 2023, often granting waivers when domestic smelting capacity was insufficient. The latest order repeals the 2023 directive and its exemptions, establishing a broader framework for mineral exports and taxation.

Congo is the world's largest supplier of cobalt and a major source of copper. The country primarily exports copper as refined metal. In the first quarter of 2026, it exported 696,725 tons of copper cathodes, compared to 53,926 tons of copper concentrates. Cobalt hydroxide exports totaled 51,940 tons over the same period. Analysts suggest the ban may not severely impact most operators, as the majority of Congo's copper and cobalt is already refined domestically.

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the need to encourage mining operators to market or export commercial mineral products with high added value