The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has prohibited the export of copper and cobalt concentrates, introducing a new policy aimed at increasing local mineral processing and strengthening the country’s mining industry.
The measure takes effect immediately and replaces previous approvals that allowed some producers to export concentrates for refining abroad.
Authorities said the decision forms part of a broader strategy to retain more value from the country’s vast mineral resources. By encouraging companies to process minerals within the DRC, the government expects to support industrial growth, create employment opportunities and generate higher returns from the sector.
“The objective is to promote domestic processing and maximise the value of the country’s mineral resources.”
The DRC remains the world’s largest producer of cobalt and one of the leading global suppliers of copper, both of which are widely used in electric vehicle batteries and clean energy technologies. While much of the country’s copper is already refined locally, some mining operations have continued exporting concentrates for processing overseas.
Officials acknowledged that the new restriction will mainly affect companies still dependent on concentrate exports. However, they indicated that limited exemptions could be considered where domestic refining capacity is unavailable or other exceptional circumstances exist.
Alongside the export ban, the government introduced changes to the way royalties are assessed on selected mining products. The revised framework is intended to improve public revenue while encouraging producers to invest more in higher-value processing activities.
The announcement attracted attention in international commodity markets, with copper prices recording gains as traders evaluated the possible impact on concentrate supplies. Market analysts, however, suggested that the short-term effect on refined metal production may be limited because significant processing already takes place within the DRC.
The latest policy reflects the government’s wider effort to move beyond exporting raw materials and develop a stronger domestic mining value chain. Officials say increasing local processing remains central to their long-term plan for expanding the country’s industrial and economic base.
