# DRC mining export bans and uranium proliferation risks > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/drc-cobalt-export-controls-and-hidden-uranium-shipments > Updated: 2026-08-10T16:20:32.000Z. Sources: 41. Developments: 6. The DRC’s early‑2025 export quota for cobalt triggered a 70% rise in standard‑grade cobalt‑hydroxide prices to approximately $41,880 per metric ton by June 2025. A July 2026 study in Nature Communications revealed that between 2000 and 2024, an estimated 2,000–5,000 tonnes of natural uranium were unintentionally shipped to China embedded in cobalt‑hydroxide ore. Researchers estimate this concealed material could provide enough fissile material for 600 to 1,500 nuclear warheads, potentially allowing China to add roughly 12 weapons to its stockpile annually. The study also highlighted environmental risks, noting that thousands of tons of uranium may have been discarded in mine tailings, posing radiation hazards to local communities. On 29 June 2026, the DRC government implemented a resource-nationalism policy, banning copper and cobalt concentrate exports and imposing a 55% valuation tax following a three-month transition. This decree impacts major miners including CMOC, Glencore, Huayou, Zijin, Ivanhoe, and Eurasian Resources. Following the ban, copper prices on the London Metal Exchange rose approximately 1.8% to US$14,369.50 per tonne. In response to the uranium findings, the Congolese government has characterized the presence of uranium in the Lualaba and Haut-Katanga regions as a known geological phenomenon related to Roan Group formations. Authorities argue that uranium present in trace amounts is not considered nuclear material under IAEA standards unless specifically extracted. To resolve the dispute, Kinshasa has launched a “double-expertise” campaign involving national and international laboratory testing, established an inter-ministerial working group to assess health and environmental risks within 60 days, and pledged to consult the IAEA to uphold non-proliferation commitments. To further monitor shipments, officials intend to install radiation detectors on trucks departing the country. ## Claims - The DRC government order signed on June 29 2026 bans the export of copper concentrates. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The DRC government order signed on June 29 2026 bans the export of cobalt concentrates. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The mines minister may grant one‑year export waivers for strategic circumstances. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Three‑month copper prices on the London Metal Exchange rose about 1.8 % to US$14,369.50 per tonne after the ban was reported. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Major mining operators affected include CMOC Group, Glencore, Huayou Cobalt, Zijin Mining, Ivanhoe Mines and Eurasian Resources Group. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The order introduces a new tax regime for economically significant mining by‑products with a 55 % valuation rate. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The DRC will conduct a double expertise on exported cobalt‑hydroxide samples, using both national and international laboratories, after a study reported trace uranium. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Chinese‑owned mining companies in the DRC denied that their cobalt contains excessive uranium, stating all products meet safety standards. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-10: DR Congo investigates uranium contamination in cobalt exports The Democratic Republic of the Congo is investigating claims that thousands of tonnes of undeclared uranium have been exported alongside cobalt shipments over the last two decades. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dr-congo-investigates-uranium-contamination-in-cobalt-exports ### 2026-08-08: DRC government responds to uranium traces in cobalt exports The DRC government is launching a counter-expertise campaign to address allegations of uranium traces in cobalt exports, citing long-known natural geological co-mineralization in its mining regions. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drc-government-responds-to-uranium-traces-in-cobalt-exports ### 2026-08-06: DRC bans copper and cobalt concentrate exports, sparks price surge The DRC ordered an immediate ban on copper and cobalt concentrate exports on June 29 2026, introduced a 55 % by‑product tax and allowed one‑year waivers. Copper prices rose 1.8 % to $14,369.50/tonne. Major min‑ 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/democratic-republic-of-congo-launches-task-force-to-boost-exports ### 2026-08-04: DR Congo uranium hidden in cobalt exports to China, investigation finds A 2009 IAEA memo revealed that 2,000‑5,000 tonnes of uranium have been exported from the DR Congo’s Katanga region as a by‑product of cobalt shipments to China over the past two decades, despite a ban on such出口 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dr-congo-uranium-hidden-in-cobalt-exports-to-china-investigation-finds ### 2026-07-31: 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. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drc-uranium-shipments-to-china-could-enable-up-to-1500-nuclear-warheads-study-says ### 2026-07-28: 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. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drc-export-controls-lift-cobalt-prices-expose-hidden-uranium-shipments --- Cite as: DRC mining export bans and uranium proliferation risks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/drc-cobalt-export-controls-and-hidden-uranium-shipments