Mining products from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are experiencing interesting developments on international markets in September 2023. According to the Governor of the Central Bank of Congo, cobalt, an essential mineral in the energy transition, has experienced an slight price increase of 1.13%, reaching USD 32,979.10 per tonne at the start of the month.
This increase demonstrates the growing valorization of cobalt, which plays a key role in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy sources. Global demand for cobalt remains strong, allowing the DRC to benefit from remunerative prices for this resource.
However, the copper price saw a slight decline of 0.82% at the end of August 2023, settling at USD 8,405.10 per tonne. This decrease is partly explained by the strength of the dollar and disappointing economic indicators in China, one of the main consumers of copper in the world.
Despite this decline, copper remains a major player in the Congolese mining industry and remains a key element in many industrial applications. Fluctuations in its price can therefore have an impact on the country’s economy.
It is important to note that mining product prices are subject to many factors, such as global supply and demand, economic conditions and trade policies. It is therefore essential for the DRC to maintain effective management of its mineral resources in order to maximize the profits from these exports.
In conclusion, the DRC currently benefits from remunerative prices for its mining products, in particular cobalt, which is recording a slight increase in price, and copper, which is experiencing a slight decline. These fluctuations reflect the realities of the international market and underline the importance for the DRC of diversifying its economy and adapting to changes in global demand.