DRC imposes immediate ban on copper and cobalt concentrate exports

In Kinshasa, officials issued an order that forbids the export of copper and cobalt concentrates, marking a sharp escalation of the DRC's policy to retain greater benefits from its mineral sector. The decree, signed by Mines Minister Louis Kabamba Watum, Foreign Trade Minister Julien Paluku Kahongya and Economy Minister Daniel Mukoko Samba, also introduces a new tax framework for significant mining by-products, with a three-month adjustment period.

The export ban takes effect at once, though the mines minister can issue one-year waivers for cases deemed strategic. The policy aims to encourage local processing and increase state revenue. Major mining firms operating in the country include China's CMOC, Glencore, Huayou Cobalt, Zijin Mining, Ivanhoe Mines and Eurasian Resources Group.