Kinshasa Bans Copper and Cobalt Concentrate Exports to Force Local Value Add

Kinshasa, DRC, August 6, 2026 - The Congolese government has enacted a significant policy shift aimed at enhancing local value addition in the mining sector. An interministerial order signed on June 29 by Economy Minister Mukoko Samba, Mines Minister Louis Kabamba Watum, and Foreign Trade Minister Julien Paluku Kahongya bans the export of copper and cobalt concentrates. This move is intended to encourage domestic processing and manufacturing, thereby increasing the economic benefits derived from the country’s rich mineral resources.

Under the new regulations, which abrogate previous rules established on August 4, 2023, a 55% tax will be imposed on the gross commercial value of 'economic-interest mining by-products'-specifically those that are traceable or ultra-trace recoverable during the refining of primary minerals. The government has outlined a nine-category product nomenclature to classify these by-products, ensuring clarity in compliance and taxation. Only holders of mining titles, category-B processing entities, and artisanal buying houses will be permitted to export marketable products, effectively restricting the export market to a select group of stakeholders.

The order also includes provisions for a one-year waiver for less-processed products, allowing for exceptions based on technical or economic considerations. A three-month transition period has been established following the order's signature, during which companies must prepare for compliance with the new tax regime, although declarations of by-product quantities will still be required during this time.

This policy shift reflects the DRC government's ongoing efforts to maximize the economic potential of its mineral wealth, particularly in the context of global demand for copper and cobalt, which are critical for various industries, including renewable energy and electric vehicle production. The implications of this ban could significantly reshape the mining landscape in the DRC, as companies adjust their operations to align with the new regulations.