KINSHASA, July 7 – The Democratic Republic of the Congo does not expect major disruptions to copper and cobalt production this year despite supply constraints linked to the recent conflict in the Middle East, according to the country’s Mines Ministry.
The conflict disrupted supplies of sulfuric acid, a key chemical used in copper and cobalt production. Zambia, one of Congo’s main suppliers, also reduced sulfuric acid exports to prioritise local demand, leading some mining companies to review their production plans after recording strong export volumes earlier this year.
However, Grace Mabaya, a senior official at the Mines Ministry, said there has been no significant impact on national production so far, adding that the outlook for the rest of 2026 remains positive, supported by stable mining operations and continued global demand for copper.
According to official data, Congo exported 823,887 metric tons of copper in the first quarter, up 4.8% from the same period last year. Exports of cobalt hydroxide rose 24.5% to 51,940 metric tons, equivalent to about 17,054 metric tons of cobalt metal. Gold exports reached 6.3 metric tons during the quarter, with a total value of $732 million.
Mabaya said many mining companies have long-term supply agreements, maintain strategic inventories or source chemicals from other regional suppliers, helping to reduce the risk of major production losses. She noted, however, that prolonged supply disruptions could still result in higher costs and longer delivery times.
The ministry also said Congo continues to manage cobalt exports through government quotas and export controls as part of broader reforms aimed at increasing its influence over the global cobalt market.
China’s CMOC remained the country’s largest exporter during the first quarter, while Glencore was also among the leading contributors to copper and cobalt exports.
