Congo Claws Back the Cobalt, Mojtaba in Hiding, Vedanta's American Copper Play, and South32's Electric Fleet

The DRC government confirms it has clawed back unused H1 2026 cobalt export quotas after the ARECOMS customs platform blockage prevented producers from registering shipments — putting $1.1 billion in allocations at risk for CMOC, Glencore, Eurasian Resources Group, and Huayou Cobalt. Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is absent from his father's state funeral amid Israeli assassination fears, deepening succession uncertainty ahead of resumed US-Iran talks after July 9. Vedanta launches CopperTech Metals Inc., a US-domiciled company to own and operate Konkola Copper Mines in Zambia for American copper security. And South32 places Sandvik's largest-ever battery-electric vehicle order for its Hermosa critical minerals project in Arizona.

Show Notes

The Mining Insider — July 5, 2026 DRC Cobalt — ARECOMS Quota Clawback Confirmed: The DRC government confirmed this week it has withdrawn unused H1 2026 cobalt export quotas. The July 5 ARECOMS deadline was not extended. CMOC, Glencore's Kamoto Copper Company, Eurasian Resources Group, and Huayou Cobalt are among those affected. Up to 20,000 metric tons ($1.1B at $26/lb) have been removed from H1 export allocations. Annual cap of 96,600 tonnes for 2026-2027 remains intact. DRC controls ~70% of global mined cobalt output. Mojtaba Khamenei — Absent from Funeral: Iran's new Supreme Leader has not appeared at any stage of the six-day state funeral in Tehran. Security officials blocked his appearance over Israeli assassination fears. He reportedly wants to attend the July 9 burial in Mashhad. President Pezeshkian confirmed Mojtaba approved the US diplomatic agreement (12-1 Supreme National Security Council vote). Post-funeral appointments will signal foreign policy direction. US-Iran talks remain suspended until after July 9. Brent holding below $71/bbl. Vedanta CopperTech Metals — Konkola Copper Mines: Vedanta Resources launched CopperTech Metals Inc., a US-domiciled company to own and operate Konkola Copper Mines in Zambia — one of the world's highest-grade copper assets, with significant cobalt reserves. Designed to enhance American copper supply security amid Section 232 tariffs and surging data center/grid/defense demand. South32 — Sandvik Largest-Ever BEV Order at Hermosa: South32 selected Sandvik for its largest single battery-electric vehicle order, covering all underground fleet requirements for the Hermosa critical minerals project (zinc, manganese) in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Deliveries Q4 2026 through 2030. Sources: SMM Metals/Sina Finance, Business Insider Africa/Reuters, Euronews Persia/NYT, Copperbelt Katanga Mining/Sandvik. Host: Logan Ore — The Mining Insider.

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