DR Congo’s Cobalt Miners Pivot To Copper Amid Price Crash

The Democratic Republic of Congo is leading a significant shift in mining strategy as producers cut back on cobalt after prices fell sharply under heavy oversupply and move capital into copper instead. Copper demand is rising fast, driven by AI data centers, electrification, and electric vehicles. But at the same time, supply is tightening due to declining ore grades and mine closures, pushing DRC miners toward a stronger market. The DRC has imposed strict export quotas, replacing its 2025 cobalt export ban with strict annual quotas of 96,600 tonnes…