Veteran Ugandan leader eyes new term amid succession talk
After a violent campaign and questions over his successor, it is expected that Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni will extend his four-decade reign in an election held on Thursday. Museveni, a former rebel leader and former president who toppled his predecessor in 1986 is now 81 years old and faces seven opponents. He claims that another four years at the helm - his seventh term – would enable him to "protect" Uganda's relative stability and peace. Bobi Wine is the main challenger among the seven candidates.
Congo will allow the execution of cobalt quotas until March 31, 2025
Mining regulators in the Democratic Republic of Congo have said that the country will allow cobalt shipment under the quotas for the 'last three months of 2020 to be made until the end of March. This is because the preparations for the new quota system take a long time. Analysts estimate that Congo accounted for 70% of the global cobalt mined production, which was around 280,000 tons in this year. A'months-long ban on exports' drove up cobalt prices and impacted the availability of 'the metal required for electric vehicles.
Sources say that samples are collected in Congo for the first shipment of cobalt by CMOC.
Two government sources have confirmed that the Democratic Republic of Congo is collecting samples to prepare for the first shipment of cobalt by Chinese company CMOC under a new quota-based system. This shipment, which should take place within days, will be the first of its kind. Analysts estimate that Congo is responsible for 70% of the world's mined cobalt. A months-long ban on exports has pushed cobalt prices up and reduced the availability of metals needed for electric cars.
Congo pledges to maintain cobalt quotas, as exports return 'within a few days'
After a month-long ban on exports, the Democratic Republic of Congo introduced quotas to limit oversupply, stabilize prices, and curb oversupply. The exports halted as companies waited to be sure of compliance. Congo's Chambers of Mines?said that in a letter sent to the Ministry of Mines, it sought to speak with regulator ARECOMS about?delays? and concerns?over its 10% strategic stock. However, they have yet to receive a reply. ARECOMS confirmed Thursday that Glencore was among the'miners who have been cleared to test the new system.
Cobalt hydroxide, a key component in EV batteries, has seen its price rise due to export restrictions from Congo
Sources in the industry said that prices of cobalt hydrxide, which is used to make chemicals for electric vehicles batteries, have increased sharply this past year due to cobalt export limitations from the top producer Democratic Republic of Congo. Congo suspended cobalt exports from February to October. The goal was to increase state revenue and tighten up oversight. The country has introduced new conditions to exporters that could complicate the recently-introduced system of quotas.
Congo miners urge urgent talks on clearing cobalt export backlog
Congo's mining industry has called on the government to hold urgent discussions in order to clarify the new rules for cobalt export. They also said that legal ambiguities, compliance obstacles and delays could cause global battery supply chains to be disrupted. After a month-long ban on cobalt exports, the Democratic Republic of Congo launched a quota system on 16 October. The regime allocated 18,125 metric tonnes for the fourth quarter, and capped annual exports to 96,600 metric tons starting in 2026.
Congo tightens its grip on cobalt by imposing new export restrictions
According to a government document reviewed by, the Congo has introduced new conditions for exporters of cobalt. This could complicate a recently implemented quota system, as the country tries to maintain a tight hold on this key mineral. Circular shows that the new conditions include, among others, pre-paying a 10% royalty in 48 hours, and obtaining a certificate of compliance. In October, the Democratic Republic of Congo introduced a quota-based system to replace a long-standing export ban.
Are renewables prepared for the COP30 discussion on fossil fuels?
At the climate summit, it may be premature to declare the end to the fossil fuel age. But up to 80 nations are calling for a concrete plan that will move us away from polluting energy. The 195 countries at the COP30, including the oil producers, will have to agree on a plan to reduce oil and gas consumption. There are also practical challenges to overcome, as the demand for electricity is expected to rise due to the increase in artificial intelligence, and the population growth.
Congo produces the first 1,000 tons traceable artisanal Cobalt
The state cobalt company in the Democratic Republic of Congo produced the first 1,000 metric tonnes of traceable artisanal. This is a major step towards formalizing this sector in a nation that supplies a large portion of the world’s battery metal. Congo is home to 72% of the world's cobalt reserves, and 74% of its supply comes from artisanal mining. Artisanal mines are a lifeline in Congo. They employ between 1.5 and 2 million people, and indirectly support more than 10 millions people.
Made in Nigeria: Africa's drive to become a solar superpower
In pink overalls they pack the tested products to be shipped from the Salpha Energy solar assembly plant near Calabar, West Africa. It's not happening at home anymore. Salpha Energy, which began in 2017, has produced solar power systems for over two million Nigerian households and businesses. It aims to produce up to 300,000. Salpha Energy is part and parcel of the green leadership that Africans attending the U.N. COP30 Climate Summit in Brazil want to promote and showcase. Carlos Lopes is the special envoy of the COP30 Presidency for Africa.
Congo will revoke cobalt export quotas to companies who fail to export the full volume
In a statement released on Saturday, the mining regulator of the Democratic Republic of Congo said that it would revoke export quotas for companies who fail to meet their export targets, violate environmental or tax regulations, or transfer them to third parties. It was announced that the new rules would come into effect on 16 October. The Congo's Strategic Mineral Substances Market Regulation and Control Authority issued the warning to mark the resumption…
Sources say that Congo will tie export quotas for cobalt to data from three-year companies.
Three sources with knowledge of the issue said that the Democratic Republic of Congo would allocate cobalt export quotas annually based on the production and shipment statistics of companies for the past three years. This is a major shift in policy intended to limit the supply of the world's largest producer. The new quota system is set to come into effect on 16 October. It replaces the months-long suspension of exports that caused supply chain disruptions and roiled electric vehicle manufacturers in China, a major consumer.
Sources say that Congo will tie export quotas for cobalt to data from three-year companies.
Three sources with knowledge of the issue said that the Democratic Republic of Congo would allocate cobalt export quotas annually based on the production and shipment statistics of companies for the past three years. This is a major shift in policy intended to limit the supply of the world's largest producer. The new quota system is set to come into effect on 16 October. It replaces the months-long suspension of exports that caused supply chain disruptions and roiled electric vehicle manufacturers in China, a major consumer.
Audit says that Congo mining companies underreported revenues of $16.8 Billion.
A state audit revealed that mining companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo failed to report $16,8 billion between 2018 and 2023. This could have resulted in a reduction of funds for both the government and the local communities. According to the 2018 Congo mining code, companies must contribute 0.3% annual revenue towards community development funds, which typically support schools and clinics, as well as water systems. The June audit of the Court of Auditors of the country…
Aurubis raises premium for 2026 European Copper to a record $315 per ton
Three market sources reported on Tuesday that Europe's largest copper smelter Aurubis would charge European customers an additional $315 per ton of refined copper in the coming year. This is a record-high for the German company. The premium is added to the London Metal Exchange copper price, which is used in construction and power. It is 38% higher than the $228 per ton paid in 2025 or the two previous years. Aurubis has declined to comment.
Tshisekedi says that Congo will permanently ban exporters of cobalt who breach quotas.
President Felix Tshisekedi warned that the Democratic Republic of Congo would permanently ban exporters of cobalt who violated its new quota-based system. The world's largest producer is tightening controls to reduce fraud and stabilize prices. Congo, which produces 70% of all cobalt in the world, stopped exports of this critical metal for electric batteries after its prices fell to a record low. In September, the Congo's state mineral regulator ARECOMS announced that a quota system based upon historical exports would replace the ban.
Republic of Congo will soon pass a new gas code as it tries to attract investment
The oil minister of the Republic of Congo said that the new gas code is expected to be passed by the parliament this month. This will help the country attract more investments in the sector, which is at the core of its national agenda for development. The code establishes a legal framework to guide gas exploration, production, and development for the Central African nation, which hopes to double its oil production by 2020 to 500,000 barrels equivalent to oil.
The Grasberg Mine accident reduces the global copper supply estimates
Metals analysts have cut their estimates for global copper supply for this year and the next after an incident at the giant Grasberg Mine has dramatically tightened the market outlook. Last week, copper prices reached a 15-month-high of $10 485 per metric ton after Freeport McMoRan declared Grasberg mine in force majeure and cut the sales forecast for Indonesian unit this year and by 2026. Freeport's Grasberg operations in Indonesia were suspended on the 8th of September after a fatal mudslide.
Andy Home: Grasberg disaster shows fragility in copper supply chain
Copper markets are used to sudden supply disruptions, but the events that occurred at Freeport-McMoRan’s Grasberg Mine in Indonesia were unprecedented in their scale and impact. Grasberg, after Escondida mine in Chile, is the second largest copper mine in the world. The 815,000 tons of copper produced last year represented 4% of the global output. The events that took place in Block Cave on the evening of September 8 were the stuff of nightmares. A massive 800,000-ton rush of mud erupted in the mine and spread rapidly, blocking all access routes.
Congo replaces cobalt export ban by quotas starting Oct 16
The Democratic Republic of Congo's strategic minerals regulator announced on Sunday that the country will lift its export ban on cobalt from October 16, and manage global supplies by imposing export quotas. The Authority for the Regulation and Control of Strategic Mineral Substances' Markets announced that miners would be permitted to ship up 18,125 tonnes of cobalt for the remainder of 2025. This will increase to 96,600 tons per year in 2026 and 2027.