KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo (BG) — The Democratic Republic of Congo, the world’s largest producer of cobalt, has imposed a temporary ban on exports of the critical mineral for four months, according to a communiqué from the Authority for the Regulation and Control of Strategic Mineral Substances Markets (ARECOMS).

The decision, announced by ARECOMS on Feb. 22, aims to address an oversupply on the international market and stabilize cobalt prices.

The ban applies to all cobalt exports, regardless of origin—whether from industrial, semi-industrial, artisanal or small-scale mining operations, the communiqué stated.

ARECOMS outlined that an evaluation of the measure will occur after three months, potentially leading to adjustments or the lifting of the suspension.

The move is part of broader efforts to enhance regulation, improve traceability and control of the cobalt supply chain, and promote local mineral processing, as further detailed in posts from the DR Congo Ministry of Mines on social media Tuesday.

“This measure is intended to regulate supply on the international market, which is facing a production glut, and to optimize revenues from cobalt while strengthening oversight,” the ministry posted, emphasizing the ban’s role in addressing excessive supply and illegal mining challenges.

Many insurgent groups operate in DR Congo, managing illegal mining of the country’s resources, complicating efforts to regulate the sector and maintain peace in the conflict-torn eastern part of the country.

Last year, DR Congo sued Apple, accusing the tech giant of illegally exploiting its minerals, highlighting ongoing concerns about the cobalt supply chain.

The ban reflects DR Congo’s strategy to assert greater control over its vast mineral wealth, which includes an estimated 70% of the world’s cobalt reserves, critical for batteries in electric vehicles and electronics.