DR Congo may impose curbs on cobalt exports when existing ban ends

The Democratic Republic of Congo said it may impose strict curbs on cobalt exports when its existing four-month ban ends.

The country accounts for nearly three-quarters of global cobalt mine production, but since February, it has enacted a four-month export suspension of the metal.

Kinshasa said this was to address a global oversupply which had caused a significant drop in prices.

The metal is used to make lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and smartphones.

Kinshasa had hoped its export ban would stabilise the market and protect the interests of Congolese…