Summary
The global mining sector is seeing shifts in regulation, resource control, and social accountability. DR Congo is ending its cobalt export ban and moving toward a quota system to stabilize exports and prices. The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency is seeking to buy scandium oxide to stockpile for defense purposes. Across the globe, Indigenous communities are raising strong objections to projects that threaten their lands and fail to observe adequate rights and protections. These developments mark turning points in how mineral supply, policy, and social responsibility are being renegotiated.
Key Points
DR Congo to End Cobalt Export Ban, Move to Quotas
Starting October 16, 2025, DR Congo will lift its cobalt export ban and replace it with a quota system. Annual cobalt export quotas will be capped at about 96,600 tonnes for 2026 and 2027—far less than the 220,000 tonnes mined in 2024.
https://www.ft.com/content/89293fb8-69f0-4581-9d5d-29d2bb9e6165U.S. DLA to Buy Scandium Oxide from Rio Tinto
The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency is planning to purchase up to US$40 million worth of scandium oxide over five years from Rio Tinto, starting with nearly 2 tons in Year One. The material is vital for advanced defense and technology applications.
https://www.reuters.com/business/us-agency-wants-buy-scandium-oxide-rio-tinto-defence-stockpile-2025-09-22/Indigenous Peoples Push Back on Mining Projects
In multiple jurisdictions, Indigenous communities are speaking out against mining projects on their lands. Criticisms include bypassed consent process, environmental damage, and lack of benefit sharing. Efforts to enforce stronger accountability and equity—through bodies like IRMA and First Nations coalitions—are becoming more prominent.
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/land-use-biodiversity/indigenous-peoples-caught-between-rock-hard-place-energy-transition--ecmii-2025-09-22/Newmont Divests Orla Stake Amid Portfolio Reshuffle
Newmont Corporation has sold its entire stake in Orla Mining for around US$439 million, as part of its strategy to streamline operations and prioritize its core, large‑scale assets.
https://www.reuters.com/business/newmont-sells-entire-orla-stake-about-439-million-divestiture-push-2025-09-19/
Why It Matters
Supply Chain Tightening for Critical Metals
DR Congo’s quota system may restrict global cobalt outflows just when demand (especially for EV battery and defense sectors) is increasing.Defense Preparedness & Material Security
The U.S. securing scandium supplies reflects growing concern about access to specialty metals essential for modern defence technologies.Social License and Rights Are No Longer Optional
Indigenous opposition is increasingly able to delay or halt projects. Companies and governments are under pressure to embed consent and equitable gains, not just compliance.Strategic Capital Allocation
Newmont’s divestment signals that companies are increasingly pruning non-core assets to double down on scale, profitability, and Tier‑1 project exposure.
Watchlist Companies & Entities
DR Congo Strategic Minerals Authority – Will administer new cobalt quotas; monitor how these are allocated and enforced.
Homepage: not locatedRio Tinto plc – Major supplier of scandium oxide; will be key in fulfilling U.S. defense stockpile orders.
Homepage: https://www.riotinto.comIndigenous Rights Coalitions / IRMA – Bodies pushing for enforceable standards around mining on Indigenous lands globally.
IRMA Homepage: https://responsiblemining.netNewmont Corporation – Gold and metals major; reconfiguring portfolio to focus on high margin / high return Tier‑1 assets.
Homepage: https://www.newmont.com
Critical Minerals Spotlight
Cobalt – Central for batteries; DR Congo remains the pivotal producer. Supply constraints likely ahead.
Scandium – Rare and expensive; usage in defense alloys and electronics; stockpiling underscores its strategic value.
Indigenous rights & ESG – Increasingly material (financially and reputationally) for projects to succeed.
Corporate Focus & Asset Optimization – Divestitures may reshape which players dominate critical mineral supply.
Action Points
Assess how DR Congo’s cobalt quotas will affect battery metal supply forecasts and pricing for 2026‑2027.
Monitor Rio Tinto’s delivery schedule for scandium and how U.S. policy supports domestic supply chain security.
Track Indigenous litigation, consent disputes, and how mining companies adjust their project plans in response.
Watch Newmont’s reinvestment strategy—where it puts capital freed by Orla divestment.
This briefing is for informational purposes only and is not legal, investment, or policy advice. Information is believed accurate at time of publication. Sources are publicly available.