One of the most interesting trends in the global mineral sector in the last few years, and especially 2025, has been the question of resource protectionism and monopoly.

In February, the Democratic Republic of Congo's government suspended cobalt exports - the country extracts over 80% of cobalt globally, driving up the prices. In September, exports resumed under a controlled quota to maintain price stability. This means that DRC can now influence cobalt prices much like OPEC does with oil.

Do you want to read more about this? Check our latest issue: Critical Point #16.