RDC: copper overshadows cobalt in critical minerals race
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, rising copper prices and restrictions on cobalt exports are leading major mining groups to shift toward copper, whose global demand far exceeds that of cobalt. In the first half of 2026, Glencore's copper production rose 15% to 397,000 tonnes, including 138,400 tonnes from its African assets, up 66%, while its cobalt output fell 46% to 10,200 tonnes.
Why it matters: This shift illustrates the theme of critical minerals supply chains, as market dynamics and policy constraints reshape production priorities in resource-rich countries.