Cobalt – MetalBulletin published a list of 10 things that were highlighted at last week’s Cobalt Development Institute conference, noting that most cobalt buyers in China do not believe that a ban on the export of cobalt concentrates will be introduced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, buyers are preparing for a tax on exports that could drive up costs for the entire industry.
Cobalt – Martin Kabwelulu, the DRC's minister of mines, is confident that the country's ban on the export of cobalt and copper concentrates will go into "full effect" in the summer, but previous attempts at instating similar bans have failed.
Cobalt – Reuters reported that the Democratic Republic of the Congo's ban on exports of unprocessed copper and cobalt concentrate will be "fully enforced" by July or August. At that time, the 90-day period during which companies were expected to clear their inventories will be over.
Cobalt – Mining Weekly reported that the price of high-grade cobalt has been on the rise since the beginning of the year and is now sitting at $13.50 per pound. The price is being pushed up by low cobalt supplies and uncertainty about the availability of concentrate from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Cobalt – Glencore is making a bet on Zambian cobalt — will other miners move to tap the nation’s significant potential?
Tantalum – At PDAC 2013, Chris Grove of Commerce Resources (TSXV:CCE) spoke with INN Senior Editor Andrew Topf about the use of tantalum in the electronics industry and how the metal is smuggled out of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Tantalum – Tantalum from Africa is often overshadowed by conflict in one country, but the metal can be found across the continent.
Tantalum – The Conflict Minerals Act, which governs the disclosure of conflict minerals in electronics supply chains, has been criticized for having too many loopholes.
Tantalum – New conflict minerals rules are more lenient on scrap and recycled tantalum. As the market digests this news, interest in secondary supply is growing.
Tantalum – Reuters reported a new study from Chatham House says the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act may endanger livelihoods in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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