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Congo to Resume Cobalt Exports Amid New Quota System

Congo to Resume Cobalt Exports Amid New Quota System

The Democratic Republic of Congo, the world's leading cobalt supplier, has announced plans to resume cobalt exports within days, following the implementation of a new quota system. This decision comes after a months-long export ban aimed at curbing oversupply and stabilizing prices. The new system, introduced in October, allocates specific export quotas to mining companies, with a total cap of 96,600 metric tons annually starting in 2026. The mining regulator, ARECOMS, confirmed that the first shipment is ready to proceed once a 10% royalty is paid. Major mining companies like Glencore and China's CMOC have been allocated significant portions of the quota, while ARECOMS retains 10% for a strategic reserve. Despite the resumption, there are concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the strategic stock and its implications for market needs.
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Congo Pledges to Maintain Cobalt Export Quotas Amid Resumption Plans

Congo Pledges to Maintain Cobalt Export Quotas Amid Resumption Plans

The Democratic Republic of Congo has committed to maintaining cobalt export quotas for 2025, following a period of export delays due to new regulatory measures. The country's mining regulator, ARECOMS, announced that a pilot shipment is set to proceed within days. Congo, which supplies over 70% of the world's cobalt, implemented export quotas in October to address oversupply and stabilize market prices. However, exports were halted as companies awaited compliance guidelines. The Chamber of Mines has requested discussions with ARECOMS regarding delays and the management of a 10% strategic stock, but has not yet received a response. Glencore, a major mining company, is among those authorized to test the new system, with the first shipment expected soon after a 10% royalty payment. The quota system allows for 18,125 metric tons of cobalt exports in the fourth quarter, with an annual cap of 96,600 tons starting in 2026.
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M23 Rebel Group's Offensive in Eastern Congo Results in Over 400 Civilian Deaths Despite U.S.-Mediated Peace Deal

M23 Rebel Group's Offensive in Eastern Congo Results in Over 400 Civilian Deaths Despite U.S.-Mediated Peace Deal

The M23 rebel group has intensified its offensive in the South Kivu province of eastern Congo, resulting in the deaths of over 400 civilians. This escalation comes despite a U.S.-mediated peace agreement signed by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents, which did not include M23. The agreement obliges Rwanda to halt support for armed groups, but the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has stated it will not observe any ceasefire and continues to fight to reclaim territories lost to M23. The rebel group has taken control of the strategic city of Uvira, further complicating peace efforts. The conflict has displaced over 7 million people, creating a significant humanitarian crisis.
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U.S. Partnership Boosts Tech-Driven Mining Growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo

U.S. Partnership Boosts Tech-Driven Mining Growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the U.S. to enhance its mining sector through advanced technologies. This partnership involves American companies providing technical assistance, funding, and technology to optimize the mining value chain. The DRC, with an estimated $24 trillion in mineral reserves, is focusing on using technology to streamline mineral exploration and production. Initiatives include the integration of AI-based geo-mapping solutions and the deployment of AI-enabled drones for enhanced surveillance. The DRC is also implementing a digital mineral traceability platform, E-Trace, to ensure responsible mining practices.
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US accuses Rwanda at UN of leading region toward war

US accuses Rwanda at UN of leading region toward war

By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS, Dec 12 (Reuters) - The United States accused Rwanda on Friday of fueling instability and war as a Rwanda-backed advance of the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo threatens to derail U.S.
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U.S. Partnership with DRC Drives Tech-Enabled Mining Growth

U.S. Partnership with DRC Drives Tech-Enabled Mining Growth

U.S. Partnership with DRC Drives Tech-Enabled Mining Growth
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U.S. Partnership with KoBold Metals Drives Tech-Driven Mining Growth in the DRC

U.S. Partnership with KoBold Metals Drives Tech-Driven Mining Growth in the DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has entered into a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the United States to enhance its mining sector through advanced technologies. This collaboration involves U.S. startup KoBold Metals, which will implement data-driven exploration projects across lithium, copper, and cobalt sites, including the Manono Lithium Project. KoBold will digitize the DRC's historical geological archives, providing critical data access and supporting project development with international partners. The initiative aims to identify mineral deposits more efficiently, thereby accelerating resource exploitation and driving GDP growth. Additionally, the DRC is deploying AI-based geo-mapping solutions and AI-enabled drones to improve mineral mapping and oversight of mining activities. The country has also launched E-Trace, a digital platform to ensure responsible mining practices and curb illicit mineral trading.
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Glencore Initiates Cobalt Exports Under Congo's New Quota System

Glencore Initiates Cobalt Exports Under Congo's New Quota System

Glencore has commenced cobalt exports under the Democratic Republic of Congo's new quota system, marking the first shipment since the system's implementation. The initial shipment was cleared after a 10% royalty payment, following a months-long export ban that had increased cobalt prices. The DRC, which produces over 70% of the world's cobalt, introduced the quota system to regulate exports, with annual caps set to begin in 2026. Glencore and China's CMOC received the largest allocations, with the first full-sized shipment expected by April.
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DRC Expands Mineral Beneficiation with Special Economic Zones and New Refineries

DRC Expands Mineral Beneficiation with Special Economic Zones and New Refineries

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is advancing its mineral beneficiation strategy through the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and new refineries. This initiative aims to enhance domestic processing capacity, capture more value from mineral resources, and stimulate economic growth. The DRC has partnered with the African Development Bank to complete the Maluku pilot SEZ, which includes facilities like Saphir Ceramics and Varun Beverages, generating significant employment. Additionally, new refineries and smelters are being developed in collaboration with global mining companies, such as Ivanhoe Mines and Eurasian Resources Group, to boost copper and cobalt production.
Reuters Reuters
Congo's top diplomat says sanctions needed to salvage Trump's peace push

Congo's top diplomat says sanctions needed to salvage Trump's peace push

Dec 10 - Democratic Republic of Congo's foreign minister has called on the Trump administration to expand targeted sanctions against Rwanda to "restore the credibility" of its mediation efforts, as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advanced on a strategic town bordering Burundi.
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Chile Increases Mining Investment Forecast to $105 Billion, Boosting Copper and Lithium Projects

Chile Increases Mining Investment Forecast to $105 Billion, Boosting Copper and Lithium Projects

Chile has raised its mining investment forecast to $105 billion through 2034, marking a 26% increase from the previous year's projection. This adjustment is driven by new copper and lithium projects, as reported by the state-run agency Cochilco. Chile, known as the world's largest producer of copper and the second-largest producer of lithium, is focusing on expanding its mining sector. Key projects include the expansion of BHP's Escondida, the largest copper mine globally, and new concentrators at Collahuasi, a copper mine co-owned by Anglo American and Glencore. The updated investment forecast is the highest since the 2016-2025 period, highlighting the sector's critical role in Chile's economic development.
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Over 400 civilians killed in fighting in eastern Congo, despite US-mediated peace deal

Over 400 civilians killed in fighting in eastern Congo, despite US-mediated peace deal

More than 400 civilians have been killed as the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group continues its offensive in Kivu province in eastern Congo, regional officials said late Wednesday