DRC Copper and Cobalt Miners Face Supply Disruptions as Iran Conflict Hits Chemical Imports

Copper and cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing mounting pressure as supply disruptions linked to the Iran conflict begin to affect the availability of critical processing chemicals. The country, which is the world’s leading cobalt producer and Africa’s largest copper supplier, plays a central role in global supply chains for electric vehicles and clean energy technologies.

Recent reports indicate that shipments of key leaching chemicals, including sulfuric acid and sodium metabisulfite (SMBS), have been cancelled or withdrawn by suppliers. These chemicals are essential for extracting copper and cobalt, and the disruption is forcing mining companies to reduce consumption and reassess production plans. In some cases, orders of thousands of tonnes have been cancelled despite contracts already being in place, highlighting the severity of the supply chain breakdown.

The situation has left major operators, including Glencore, CMOC Group, and Eurasian Resources Group, navigating increased uncertainty. While companies have not publicly disclosed the full impact, industry sources suggest that some producers are already considering reducing cobalt output or producing lower-grade material as a temporary measure.

To manage limited supplies, mining firms are cutting chemical usage and tightening procurement processes. Buyers are increasingly verifying stock availability before finalising purchases, sometimes sending representatives to physically inspect inventories and confirm ownership. This reflects growing concern over supply reliability in an already constrained market.

The disruption is further compounded by logistical challenges. Shipping delays, rerouted vessels, and limited freight capacity have extended delivery times significantly, in some cases doubling the usual transit period. At the same time, prices for key inputs have surged, with premiums for chemicals shipped through ports such as Dar es Salaam rising sharply since the conflict began.

These challenges come on top of existing constraints in the cobalt market, including export controls and quota systems that have already limited global supply. As a result, pressure is building across the value chain, from mining operations in Central Africa to smelters and manufacturers worldwide.

The situation highlights the vulnerability of critical mineral supply chains to geopolitical disruptions. For the DRC’s mining sector, maintaining stable production will depend on securing alternative supply routes, improving inventory management, and adapting to a more volatile global trading environment.