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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DRC Cobalt — ARECOMS Quota Clawback Confirmed: The DRC government confirmed this week it has withdrawn unused H1 2026 cobalt export quotas.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.
