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Major cobalt, copper producer
| Element | Type | Volume | Global Share | Year | Critical |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cobalt(Co) | mining | 162.8K metric_tons | 74.0% | 2023 | USEU |
| Tantalum(Ta) | mining | 840 metric_tons | 40.0% | 2023 | USEU |
| Copper(Cu) | mining | 2.4M metric_tons | 11.0% | 2023 | USEU |
Political instability and artisanal mining challenges in the Democratic Republic of Congo created supply uncertainties for cobalt, which is essential for lithium-ion batteries. The DRC produces over 70% of global cobalt.
USGSThe DRC revised its mining code, increasing royalties on cobalt from 2% to 10% as a strategic mineral. This increased costs for cobalt producers while giving the DRC greater revenue from its resources.
US Trade.gov