Shafaqna English- The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced a ban on exports of copper and cobalt concentrates, marking a significant intensification of its strategy to encourage domestic mineral processing and capture greater economic value from its abundant natural resources. The decision was formalized in a new government decree, which was reviewed by Reuters on Thursday(6 Aug 2026).
The government order, dated June 29 and co-signed by the ministers of mines, foreign trade, and economy, unequivocally states that “the export of copper and cobalt concentrates is prohibited.” This provision effectively bans the shipment of semi-processed or unprocessed ore, forcing mining operators to either invest in local smelting and refining facilities or cease their operations in Congo.