The Democratic Republic of Congo will allow cobalt shipments under fourth-quarter 2025 allocations to continue until the end of March, Reuters reported, as preparations for a new export quota system remain incomplete.

The extension comes amid global supply pressures, with Congo accounting for over 70 percent of mined cobalt, a key ingredient in electric vehicle batteries. Analysts estimate the country produced roughly 280,000 metric tons in 2025, but months-long restrictions have already tightened availability and contributed to higher cobalt prices.

China Molybdenum Co (CMOC) and Glencore, the world’s largest cobalt producers, received the largest allocations under the October-launched system, with quotas of 6,650 and 3,925 tons, respectively, Reuters reported. Glencore is expected to be the first company to ship under the framework, while Congolese authorities have begun pre-shipment sampling for CMOC.

Authorities must still complete several procedural steps before exports can proceed, including customs clearance, final authorisation, and verification of allocated quotas, Reuters added. ARECOMS, the mining regulator, also said it would consider requests to modify allocations, without confirming whether any have been received.

The regulator has not provided a timetable for the full implementation of the new system. Observers warn that delays could continue to disrupt supply to global markets, heightening uncertainty for manufacturers reliant on Congolese cobalt.