Congo copper exports reach record 1.72 million tonnes as US, Europe share doubles
DR Congo's first-half copper exports hit a record 1.72 million tonnes, with the US and Europe doubling their share as Kinshasa diversifies away from China.
The Democratic Republic of Congo shipped a record 1.72 million metric tonnes of copper in the first half of 2026, with the share destined for the United States and Europe doubling from 2025 levels, as Kinshasa pressed ahead with efforts to steer critical mineral exports away from China.
Copper exports rose to 1,724,217 tonnes between January and June, up from 1,650,189 tonnes a year earlier, according to the mines ministry's first-half mining statistics report. Cobalt exports, by contrast, fell 6.4% to 41,140 tonnes from 43,930 tonnes, a decline attributed to export quotas imposed by the government.
Congo is the world's largest cobalt producer and its second-largest copper producer, placing it at the centre of a global contest for critical minerals. Chinese firms including CMOC, Huayou Cobalt and Zijin hold dominant positions across much of the sector, while Washington and Brussels have moved to build alternative supply chains.
Diversification push
Since signing a strategic minerals partnership with Washington in December 2025, state miner Gecamines has turned to offtake arrangements with traders Mercuria and Glencore to market its share of copper from major mines, including Chinese-linked operations, to alternative buyers.
The report described the first half of 2026 as being defined by the implementation of an "export diversification offensive." It said the doubling of copper sales to the United States and Europe reflected Congo's aim of reducing reliance on Chinese trade channels and monetising its stakes in ventures such as Tenke Fungurume Mining and Kamoto Copper Company. No sales volumes were provided.
The mines ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Concentrate ban and top exporters
Congo banned exports of copper and cobalt concentrates in June, yet first-half shipments of copper concentrate still reached 151,202 tonnes, containing 50,629 tonnes of copper. Eurasian Resources Group's Frontier Mining, Chinese-owned Kinsenda Copper Company, Everbright Mining and Sabwe Mining were the largest exporters of copper concentrates.
In cobalt hydroxide, CMOC's Kisanfu mine led shipments at 24,825 tonnes, ahead of Glencore's KCC and ERG's Metalkol.