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DR Congo Resumes Cobalt Exports After 10-Month Ban, Easing Global Supply Crunch

DR Congo resumes cobalt exports after a 10-month ban, easing global supply pressures for EV batteries. MiningNewsWire reports on market impacts and diversification efforts.

The resumption of cobalt exports from the Democratic Republic of Congo directly impacts global efforts to transition to clean energy and electric mobility. Cobalt is a critical component in lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and grid storage systems. The 10-month export ban created supply chain bottlenecks, driving up costs and delaying production for manufacturers reliant on this mineral. With the DRC supplying approximately 70% of the world's cobalt, this restart helps stabilize a market crucial for reducing carbon emissions. However, it also reinforces the geopolitical risks of concentrated mineral supply, underscoring the urgent need for diversified sourcing, ethical mining practices, and increased recycling to build more resilient and sustainable supply chains for the green economy.