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Congo State Cobalt Monopoly Pursues Industrial Producer Partnerships to Combat Illicit Mining

The Democratic Republic of Congo's state-owned cobalt purchasing authority is broadening its strategy to curb illegal mining by forging partnerships with major industrial producers. The monopoly holder said the collaborative approach aims to strengthen oversight and control over artisanal mining activities at commercial mining sites. Global demand for cobalt remains strong, particularly from battery manufacturers and processors expanding operations to supply Western markets. A U.S. cobalt refining company recently secured supply agreements with Congolese sources, underscoring growing interest from international refiners in establishing reliable sourcing channels. The government entity's push for formalized partnerships represents an effort to formalize hand-dug cobalt supply chains while addressing illegal mining operations that have affected the region.