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2 clusters · 10 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: INTERNATIONAL · BUSINESS

DRC cobalt export controls and hidden uranium shipments

Entities: China · Sébastien Philippe · Democratic Republic of the Congo · Ryan Manzuko · International Atomic Energy Agency

Overview

In July 2026 the Democratic Republic of Congo’s export ban and quota system for cobalt drove prices to multi‑year highs. A new study revealed that between 2000 and 2024 the country had unintentionally (or otherwise) shipped 2,000–5,000 metric tons of natural uranium embedded in cobalt‑hydroxide exports, most of which went to China for refining. Less than 10 % of this uranium was reported to the IAEA, raising concerns that the material could supply enough fissile material for hundreds to over a thousand nuclear weapons and pose radiation hazards at mine sites.

The findings highlight two linked issues: the market impact of DRC’s cobalt export controls and the proliferation risk posed by undeclared uranium flowing through China’s cobalt supply chain.

Timeline

  1. about 8 hours ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 4 sources
    DRC uranium shipments to China could enable up to 1,500 nuclear warheads, study says

    Study finds 2,000‑5,000 t of hidden uranium left the DRC in cobalt exports, mostly to China, could fuel 600‑1,500 nuclear warheads and pose radiation risks.

  2. 2 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    DRC export controls lift cobalt prices, expose hidden uranium shipments

    DRC's 2025 cobalt export ban and quotas boosted prices 70% and a new study revealed 2,000‑5,000 t of undeclared uranium shipped in cobalt exports, largely to China.

Sources

actualite.cd · interestingengineering.com · investingnews.com · memesita.com · newswise.com · newzs.de · no2nuclearpower.org.uk · sofx.com · spektrum.dk · tech.wp.pl