DRC Expects Copper and Cobalt Output to Stay Stable

The Democratic Republic of Congo says it remains confident that copper and cobalt production will meet expectations this year, despite concerns that instability in the Middle East could disrupt supplies of sulfuric acid, a chemical widely used in mineral processing.

The concerns followed recent tensions involving the United States and Iran, which affected sulfuric acid supply routes in parts of the mining industry. Zambia, one of the DRC’s key suppliers of the chemical, has also tightened exports to meet local demand, prompting questions about whether Congolese mines could face shortages.

According to the Ministry of Mines, those concerns have not translated into major operational challenges. Grace Mabaya, a senior ministry official, said mining companies have continued operating normally because many secure sulfuric acid through long-term contracts, maintain reserve stocks and purchase supplies from different regional markets.

Official figures released by the ministry showed copper exports reached a record 823,887 metric tonnes in the first three months of 2026, an increase of 4.8% compared with the same period in 2025. Cobalt hydroxide exports climbed 24.5% to 51,940 metric tonnes, while gold exports totalled 6.3 tonnes, generating about $732 million.

The ministry acknowledged that an extended disruption in sulfuric acid supplies could raise production costs and delay shipments. However, it said there is no indication at present that overall mining output will be affected. Officials also pointed to ongoing reforms, including export controls and production quotas, as part of efforts to improve oversight of the country’s cobalt industry.

Chinese mining company CMOC recorded the highest export volumes during the first quarter, while Glencore remained one of the DRC’s leading producers of both copper and cobalt.

SOURCE: Reuters