In a decisive move to capture greater economic value from its vast mineral wealth, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has imposed an immediate ban on the export of copper and cobalt concentrates. The joint ministerial order, signed on 29 June 2026 by Mines Minister Louis Kabamba Watum, Foreign Trade Minister Julien Paluku Kahongya and Economy Minister Daniel Mukoko Samba, explicitly states that “the export of copper and cobalt concentrates is prohibited.” The measure took effect immediately and forms part of a broader framework governing mineral exports and the taxation of economically significant mining by - products.
This latest order repeals the 2023 export ban and its associated exemptions, replacing them with a more comprehensive regime. Previous restrictions, introduced in 2013, 2019 and 2023, had often been tempered by waivers when domestic smelting capacity proved insufficient. By cancelling those exemptions, Kinshasa signals a firmer resolve to compel mining companies to process concentrates inside the country rather than shipping intermediate products abroad for refining.
The ban is not absolute. The mines minister retains authority to grant one-year export waivers under “strategic” circumstances, though the order does not define those circumstances in detail. This discretionary provision offers limited flexibility while maintaining pressure on operators to invest in local value addition. The policy also introduces a new tax regime for significant mining by - products, subject to a three - month transition period.
As the world’s largest cobalt producer and a major copper supplier, the DRC’s decision carries global implications for battery metals and the energy transition. Most Congolese copper already leaves the country as refined cathodes, limiting the immediate volume impact, yet the principle is clear: the government seeks higher - value exports, greater domestic industrialisation and increased fiscal returns. Major operators, including Chinese, Canadian and Swiss firms, must now adapt operations or seek strategic waivers. The ban underscores Africa’s growing determination to move beyond raw-material extraction toward local processing and retained prosperity.