The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the world’s top cobalt supplier, has made a significant policy change. This could alter the global cobalt market. Starting October 16, 2025, the DRC will end its cobalt export ban. It will introduce a quota system instead. This allows limited shipments to restart, as stated by Mining.com. The change responds to demands from major mining companies. It also supports the growing need for cobalt. Cobalt is a vital material in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and green energy technologies. As mining activities grow, the demand for modern equipment to ensure efficient production and environmental standards is increasing quickly.
Policy Shift and Its Background
The DRC introduced a cobalt export ban earlier in 2025. The goal was to promote local processing. It also aimed to increase government income through higher-value exports. However, the ban caused large stockpiles. It disrupted global supply chains. This affected companies like Glencore and CMOC Group. The new quota system was announced by the DRC’s mining ministry. It assigns export limits based on production capacity and compliance. The system starts at up to 50% of output. Plans are in place to increase this as local facilities improve.
Why the Ban Was Ended
The move to quotas shows a practical approach. It balances economic goals with global market needs. By allowing controlled exports, the DRC aims to strengthen its mining sector. This sector supplies over 70% of the world’s cobalt. It also keeps revenue through export taxes.
Economic Effects
This policy shift allows miners to resume full operations. It reduces financial stress. It also supports better production planning. The change shows the DRC’s commitment to aiding the global move to clean energy.
Impact on Global Cobalt Supply
Ending the ban will likely release 20,000–30,000 tonnes of cobalt inventory soon. This will reduce price swings caused by supply shortages. With firms like Eurasian Resources Group increasing output, global cobalt production could grow by 10–15% in 2026. This meets the rising needs of EV makers in China and Europe.
Challenges of Higher Output
Increased production brings problems. These include managing environmental impacts like waste disposal and water use. Sustainable methods are crucial. They ensure compliance with global rules. They also help the DRC remain a trusted supplier.
Market Opportunities
The restored supply chain offers chances for mining companies to expand. It also emphasizes the need for equipment that improve efficiency. These equipment must also reduce environmental harm.
Growing Need for Modern Mining Equipment
As cobalt production increases, mining operations need strong equipment. These equipment must improve mineral processing, waste management, and environmental compliance. Hydrometallurgical processes, used in cobalt extraction, rely on precise equipment. This equipment boosts yields and reduces waste. Equipment like vertical automatic press filters, thickeners, and agitators are key to meeting these goals.
Key Equipment Needs
- Vertical Automatic Press Filters: These are excellent for high-pressure dewatering. They reduce moisture in cobalt concentrates to as low as 10%. Manual systems achieve only 25%, as shown by NHD’s products.
- Thickeners: Large units clear slurries. They allow water recycling. They also support sustainable waste management.
- Agitators: Built for harsh environments, they ensure even mixing in leaching tanks. This improves metal recovery.
Benefits of Modern Equipment
Automated systems, like those from NHD, cut labor costs. They improve filtration consistency. They also reduce environmental harm. Features like self-cleaning cloths and back-flush systems help achieve this. These equipment are essential in the DRC’s tough mining conditions.
NHD: A Reliable Tool Supplier
Jiangsu New Hongda Group Co., Ltd. (NHD), founded in 1992, is a leading provider of specialized mining and chemical equipment. Based in Xinghua City, Jiangsu Province, NHD employs over 800 workers. This includes 260 engineers. The company holds many patents. Its product range includes Filter Series, Automatic Press Filter Series, Agitator & Thickener Series, Equipment for Sulfuric Acid Industry, Pressure Vessel Series, Desulfurization Equipment Series, Filter Cloth Series, and Material Series.
Why Choose NHD?
NHD’s focus on innovation is clear. It has a provincial technology center. It has also earned awards like the National High-tech Enterprise title. NHD serves over 1,000 clients in 52 countries. It provides strong, tailored solutions for industries like non-ferrous smelting and phosphate chemicals.
Customized Solutions for Mining
NHD’s careful sales process includes lab tests, pilot tests, and on-site setup. This ensures equipment fits specific ore types and operational needs. It makes NHD ideal for the DRC’s challenging settings.
NHD’s Success in the DRC
NHD has a strong history in the DRC’s copper and cobalt sector. It has supplied high-quality equipment for major projects. For Sicomines SA’s Copper and Cobalt Smelting Project, NHD provided a Φ45 Thickener. This improved waste management and water recovery. China Molybdenum Co., Ltd. used a Φ30 Thickener for efficient slurry processing.
Highlighted Projects
- Zijin Mining Co., Ltd.: NHD supplied strong Agitators. These ensured steady mixing in harsh leaching environments.
- CNMC Dizwa: NHD’s Agitators supported reliable performance in copper-cobalt smelting.
- Deziwa Copper-Cobalt Deposit (CNMC): NHD delivered two 144m² Vertical Automatic Press Filters. These reduced moisture in cobalt concentrates. They also improved transport efficiency. Images from these projects show NHD’s equipment in action.
Impact on Operations
These projects prove NHD’s ability to boost efficiency and sustainability. They help DRC mines meet production goals. They also ensure compliance with environmental rules.
Conclusion
The DRC’s shift from a cobalt export ban to a quota system starts on October 16, 2025. It creates big opportunities for the global cobalt market. As production grows, the need for modern equipment like vertical press filters, thickeners, and agitators will increase. NHD, with its proven skills and tailored solutions, is ready to support this growth. It drives efficiency and sustainability in the DRC’s mining sector.
FAQs：
Q1: How will the DRC’s cobalt quota system affect global prices?
A: The quota system will stabilize cobalt prices. It allows limited exports. This prevents oversupply while meeting EV battery needs. Prices may drop slightly at first. Then, they should grow steadily as production rises.
Q2: Why are automated filter presses important for cobalt mining?
A: Automated filter presses, like NHD’s 144m² models, lower moisture in concentrates to 10%. This improves transport efficiency. It also skips traditional drying steps. Their enclosed design reduces environmental risks. This was seen in CNMC’s Deziwa project.
Q3: What makes NHD a top choice for DRC mining projects?
A: NHD’s strong, tailored equipment is backed by deep research and patents. It ensures high performance in tough environments. Successes like the Φ45 Thickener for Sicomines SA show its reliability and skill.
