DRC traceable artisanal cobalt formalisation starts with first 1,000 tonnes

DRC, Cobalt mining

DRC traceable artisanal cobalt formalisation has started with the first 1,000 tonnes of traceable artisanal cobalt. Democratic Republic of the Congo is moving to legalise supply that has long operated informally. DRC traceable artisanal cobalt formalisation aims to improve oversight, reduce uncertainty, and tighten market discipline. Therefore, the initiative signals a shift from fragmented trading toward controlled sourcing and compliance-ready material.

DRC traceable artisanal cobalt formalisation also targets stronger price support. Officials expect formalisation to curb oversupply and improve quota enforcement. Meanwhile, buyers increasingly demand ESG assurance and end-to-end traceability for battery metals. As a result, traceable supply can attract a broader pool of compliant refiners and OEMs.

Traceability expands oversight and pulls informal mines into legal channels

Entreprise Generale du Cobalt is scaling beyond the initial 1,000 tonnes. Eric Kalala said the company will expand refining capacity to capture a larger share of artisanal cobalt. Meanwhile, the model aims to bring illegal mines into regulated business through purchasing and control points. Therefore, the programme can raise compliance standards while protecting miners’ incomes.

Traceability also reshapes the operational playbook. The company can standardise buying practices and document custody through the chain. However, success will depend on consistent enforcement and credible auditing. As a result, DRC traceable artisanal cobalt formalisation could become a template for other high-risk minerals.

Quotas, livelihoods, and the Copperbelt raise the stakes

The DRC anchors global cobalt supply and holds about 70% of known cobalt reserves. Artisanal mines employ around two million people and support many more indirectly. Meanwhile, the richest deposits cluster in the Copperbelt, linking cobalt output to regional livelihoods and stability. Therefore, any formalisation effort must balance governance goals with local economic realities.

The government has also introduced export quotas after a months-long export ban. Formalisation can support these controls by improving visibility over volumes and flows. However, artisanal material still represents a meaningful share of global supply, often estimated at 20–30% of annual cobalt volumes. As a result, DRC traceable artisanal cobalt formalisation can influence both near-term pricing and long-term OEM sourcing strategies.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Traceability will not change cobalt fundamentals overnight, but it can reduce risk premiums for compliant buyers. Meanwhile, the real impact will come if the programme enforces quotas and consolidates fragmented supply. Therefore, the market will watch scale-up pace and audit credibility as the key signals.