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DRC Finds 2,000-5,000 Tonnes Uranium Hidden in Cobalt Exports to China

8/10/2026

23 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

DRC investigators say 2,000-5,000 tonnes of uranium were hidden in cobalt shipments to China between 2000 and 2024.
Nature Communications paper warned the lower export estimate could fuel a 1-GW reactor for ten years.
DRC nuclear agency head Steve Muanza said Chinese firms likely extract uranium from the cobalt, while investigators found uranium-laden material at a Finnish refinery.

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Story summary

DRC investigators say 2,000-5,000 tonnes of uranium were hidden in cobalt shipments to China between 2000 and 2024.
Nature Communications paper warned the lower export estimate could fuel a 1-GW reactor for ten years.
DRC nuclear agency head Steve Muanza said Chinese firms likely extract uranium from the cobalt, while investigators found uranium-laden material at a Finnish refinery.