In early August 2026, Reuters revealed an order from the Congolese government banning the export of copper and cobalt concentrates with immediate effect. The order repeals the 2023 order that previously governed these exports.
Key points
- Principle : copper and cobalt concentrates may no longer be exported;
- Exemptions : the Minister of Mines may grant exemptions of up to one year to projects meeting “strategic” criteria;
- Objective : to retain more added value in the country through local processing.
Limited short-term impact
According to SMM analysts, the immediate impact on global concentrate trade should remain limited, as exports were already subject to strict authorisations. Some major projects also have local smelting capacity: the Kamoa-Kakula smelter (500,000 t/year), commissioned in late 2025, produced 62,100 tonnes of copper anodes in Q2 2026.
On the markets, the announcement supported prices: three-month LME copper rose 1.8% to US$14,369.50/t.
What does this mean for mine sites?
The ramp-up of local processing (concentrators, smelters, refineries) requires more electrical infrastructure, process automation, instrumentation, ventilation and industrial maintenance — all needs for which operators are looking for locally based technical partners.
Photo credit: The Rio Times
Featured image: The Rio Times
Sources: SMM – Export ban on concentrates (6 August 2026) • Rio Times (7 August 2026)
