The Democratic Republic of Congo will require cobalt miners to surrender unused export quotas for the first half of the year to a government regulator. This policy change targets the mining sector's allocation system, forcing companies to forfeit any export permits they haven't utilized during the initial six-month period.

Export quotas regulate how much mineral material companies can ship abroad, typically representing valuable permits in the global commodities market. By mandating the return of unused allocations, Congo aims to redistribute these quotas more efficiently among active operators rather than letting them expire unused.

The move signals tighter government control over the nation's critical mineral resources, which supply a significant portion of global cobalt production. Mining companies will need to better forecast demand and secure appropriate quota levels upfront, potentially reducing waste in the allocation system.

This policy reflects Congo's increasing assertiveness in managing its natural resource wealth, ensuring maximum participation in the legitimate export framework while preventing speculative hoarding of valuable mining permits.