Wedoany.com Report-Dec.10, Glencore has completed the first cobalt export from the Democratic Republic of Congo under the country's newly introduced quota system, dispatching a small test shipment this week, according to a government official and two industry sources familiar with the transaction.

The shipment was approved after Glencore agreed to pay a 10% royalty, marking the resumption of cobalt exports following a suspension earlier in the year that had significantly tightened global supply and supported higher prices for the battery metal.

The Democratic Republic of Congo produces over 70% of the world's mined cobalt, with annual output estimated at approximately 280,000 metric tons in 2025. The quota system, introduced on October 16, allocates 18,125 metric tons for the fourth quarter of 2025 and sets an annual export ceiling of 96,600 tons starting from 2026. The national regulator, ARECOMS, reserves 10% of production for strategic stockpiles.

Among producers, China's CMOC received the largest fourth-quarter allocation of 6,650 tons, followed by Glencore with 3,925 tons. Both companies operate major mining operations in the country.

"We authorised the release of the first shipment by Glencore as a pilot process. However, the procedure is still underway to determine the quality and reach a final decision on the quantity that will be exported," the government source stated. The royalty payment will be finalized once laboratory analysis confirms the material’s specifications.

"Once someone does a first export, the second will become much easier," the source added.

CMOC's Tenke Fungurume Mining has also initiated the required procedures to resume exports, the government official confirmed. Full-scale commercial shipments from Congo are now expected to begin by April 2026 as companies complete quality certification, sampling, and payment processes.

Under the new framework, exporters must notify authorities in advance, submit batches for independent testing, and settle the 10% royalty before any cargo can leave the country. These steps are designed to ensure transparency and accurate valuation of exported material.

Cobalt prices have strengthened considerably since early 2025, currently trading around $52,900 per ton, compared to levels near $22,000 per ton in February when export restrictions were first implemented.

The successful test shipment by Glencore represents an important step toward normalizing trade flows. Industry participants expect the process to become more efficient as companies gain experience with the updated regulatory requirements, helping to maintain stable supply of this critical material for electric vehicle batteries and other high-technology applications.