Gold, Copper and Tin Prices Decline While Nickel and Germanium Rise as DRC Suspends Mining Operations in South Kivu
Prices of several key mining commodities exported by the Democratic Republic of the Congo recorded mixed movements on international markets during the period from May 25 to 30, 2026, according to official price data released by the country’s relevant authorities.
Gold, copper and tin record declines
Among the commodities that posted declines during the week, gold prices fell from US$152.89 to US$149.49 per gram. Copper, one of the DRC’s most important export minerals, also declined from US$13,681.93 to US$13,558.45 per tonne.
Silver prices dropped from US$27 to US$24 per gram during the same period.
Industrial metals also experienced downward pressure. Aluminum ingot prices decreased from US$1,714.42 to US$1,494.43 per tonne, while tin recorded one of the sharpest declines, falling from US$53,611.00 to US$50,223.75 per tonne.
Strategic minerals post gains
Despite the decline in some commodities, several strategic minerals registered price increases.
Nickel prices rose from US$16,904.41 to US$17,152.70 per tonne, while germanium increased from US$7,695.00 to US$8,336.25 per kilogram, reflecting sustained global demand for minerals used in advanced technologies and high-tech manufacturing.
Zinc also posted gains, rising from US$3,459.05 to US$3,536.90 per tonne. Meanwhile, niobium concentrate increased from US$6,113.24 to US$6,215.65 per tonne.
Cobalt, the DRC’s leading mineral export and a critical component in battery manufacturing, remained stable during the reporting period at US$55,600 per tonne.
Mining activities suspended in South Kivu
Separately, the DRC government has announced the suspension of all mining activities in the territories of Mwenga and Shabunda in South Kivu for a period of three months.
According to the Ministry of Mines, the decision follows reports of increasing illegal mining activities in the two territories.
Authorities cited findings from public institutions and parliamentary investigations that reportedly identified widespread illegal practices within the mining sector.
The government stated that some of these activities are believed to pose risks to national security and territorial integrity, with certain operations suspected of contributing to the financing of activities aimed at destabilizing state institutions.
The suspension forms part of broader efforts by the government to strengthen oversight of the mining sector, improve regulatory compliance, and address security concerns in eastern parts of the country.
