KINSHASA - The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has extended its temporary suspension of cobalt exports for an additional three months, citing persistently high inventory levels in both domestic and international markets.

The move follows a four-month export halt announced in February. The extension was announced on Saturday by the DRC's Regulatory and Oversight Authority for Strategic Mineral Substances Markets (ARECOMS), the national body responsible for regulating the trade of critical mineral substances.

Established in 2019, ARECOMS oversees the regulation of strategic minerals such as coltan, cobalt and germanium. Its mandate includes stabilizing markets, formalizing the artisanal sector, and ensuring compliance with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations.

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According to an official statement, the extended ban covers all cobalt extracted from industrial, semi-industrial, small-scale and artisanal mining operations, and takes effect immediately from the date of signature, June 21.

ARECOMS said that a new decision will be issued before the end of the suspension period, which may either modify, extend, or lift the current export ban, depending on market developments.

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According to London-based data analytics and consulting firm GlobalData, the DRC's cobalt production is projected to reach 244 kilotonnes in 2024. The country is the world's largest cobalt producer, supplying over 80 percent of global output.

Cobalt is a critical raw material used across various industries, particularly in the production of rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones, and other electronic devices. The DRC's cobalt mining industry is primarily concentrated in the Katanga region, where both industrial and artisanal operations are prevalent.