Glencore has become the first mining company to export cobalt from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since the government introduced a new quota system, sources told Reuters. The company dispatched a small pilot shipment this week, which was cleared by Congolese authorities after approval and pending a 10 percent royalty payment. The move marks the initial step toward restarting cobalt exports after a months-long freeze that had tightened global supply and driven prices sharply higher.
The DRC, which produces more than 70 percent of the world’s mined cobalt, implemented the quota system on 16 October 2025 to regulate exports, strengthen state revenues, and ensure a strategic reserve. Under the new framework, 18,125 tonnes of cobalt are allocated for the fourth quarter, while total annual exports will be capped at 96,600 tonnes beginning in 2026. Mining companies CMOC and Glencore received the largest allocations, at 6,650 tonnes and 3,925 tonnes respectively, while the regulator, ARECOMS, will hold 10 percent of the annual quota as a strategic reserve.
The pilot shipment by Glencore signals a cautious restart of full-scale exports, which are now expected to resume by April 2026. Traders, however, caution that unclear procedures and rules regarding royalties and payments could still delay shipments, potentially affecting supply timelines and market stability.
Cobalt is a critical component in the batteries used for electric vehicles (EVs), and the DRC’s export freeze had significant repercussions on global markets. Prices surged as supply tightened, prompting concerns among battery manufacturers and automakers over material availability. Analysts note that the resumption of exports, even in limited quantities, should ease short-term supply pressures, although long-term stability will depend on transparent procedures and adherence to the quota framework.
Economically, the new system aims to balance national interests with global market demands. By capping annual exports and instituting royalties, the DRC government seeks to increase state revenues from one of its most strategic natural resources while maintaining a reserve to mitigate shocks and support domestic industrial development. Companies with allocated quotas now face pressure to comply with the rules, which could incentivise better reporting, increased local value addition, and more responsible mining practices.
Glencore’s shipment is also expected to influence global investment sentiment. The pilot export demonstrates that despite regulatory changes, major miners can still operate effectively in the DRC, offering reassurance to investors in the cobalt supply chain. However, analysts warn that any ambiguity in enforcement or delays in payments could deter smaller producers or foreign investors, potentially constraining supply in the medium term.
For downstream markets, the resumption of cobalt shipments could gradually stabilise EV battery costs and alleviate some supply chain bottlenecks that have affected manufacturers worldwide. Battery producers, particularly in Europe and Asia, have been closely monitoring developments in the DRC, and even small shipments help signal that production and export channels are reopening under a structured regulatory environment.
The DRC’s approach reflects a growing trend among resource-rich nations to assert greater control over strategic minerals, balancing foreign investment with national economic and developmental priorities. The quota system, combined with royalty payments and a strategic reserve, aims to secure both immediate fiscal gains and long-term resource sustainability.
In conclusion, Glencore’s pioneering shipment under the new DRC quota system represents a key moment for the global cobalt market, easing supply pressures while highlighting the country’s efforts to regulate exports more strategically. While the pilot marks the start of a cautiously optimistic phase, market participants and investors will closely watch the implementation of procedures and payment rules to gauge how reliably the DRC can maintain stable cobalt exports while advancing its economic and industrial objectives.
