• Cobalt prices have extended gains to a three-year high due to export curbs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which threaten to create a shortage of the battery material.

  • The country’s quota system, which replaces the ban on shipments, could push the market into deficit as soon as next year, with prices of hydroxide and refined metal jumping over 20% since the plan was unveiled.

  • The restrictions have triggered consequences, including a collapse in Chinese imports of intermediate cobalt products and refiners seeking alternative sources of feedstock, with some buying more refined metal to bypass hydroxide.

https://archive.is/MHPY6#selection-1509.0-1521.229