DRC Imposes Concentrate Export Ban, Copper Prices Soar

The Democratic Republic of Congo has imposed a ban on the export of copper and cobalt concentrates, effective June 29, 2026. The move aims to capture more value from the country's resources by promoting domestic processing.

Copper prices on the London Metal Exchange surged 1.8% to $14,369.50 per tonne, reaching a high since January 2026. This is not the first time the DRC has attempted to restrict concentrate exports; similar policies were enacted in 2013, 2019, and 2023.

The new framework offers one-year waivers for certain operations on a case-by-case basis. However, Kamoa-Kakula, one of the country's largest copper projects, faces real exposure as it has been exporting concentrates under previous exemptions that are now under pressure.