Story perspectives

DR Congo Halts Artisanal Mining to Combat Illegal Exports

12/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Democratic Republic of Congo suspended artisanal copper and cobalt processing to enhance transparency and combat illegal exports.
Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba signed the decree on December 19, ordering halt of processing and mineral-origin certification.
A commission will verify compliance and traceability.
The Democratic Republic of Congo supplies about 70% of the world's cobalt and has struggled with illegal mining that diverts revenue.
Artisanal mining supports millions, but unregulated output complicates tracking and raises prices for ethically sourced cobalt.

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Story summary

The Democratic Republic of Congo suspended artisanal copper and cobalt processing to enhance transparency and combat illegal exports.
Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba signed the decree on December 19, ordering halt of processing and mineral-origin certification.
A commission will verify compliance and traceability.
The Democratic Republic of Congo supplies about 70% of the world's cobalt and has struggled with illegal mining that diverts revenue.
Artisanal mining supports millions, but unregulated output complicates tracking and raises prices for ethically sourced cobalt.