Congo Miners Cut Chemical Use as Iran Conflict Disrupts Copper, Cobalt Supply Chains

Copper and cobalt producers in the Democratic Republic of Congo are reducing the use of critical processing chemicals as supply disruptions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict begin to ripple through global mining operations.

According to industry sources, shipments of key leaching chemicals such as sulphuric acid and sodium metabisulfite (SMBS) have been delayed, cancelled, or withdrawn due to shipping disruptions and rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, the world’s largest cobalt producer and a major copper supplier, relies heavily on these chemicals to extract metals essential for electric vehicle batteries and clean energy technologies. However, recent supply chain disruptions have forced mining companies to scale back chemical usage, raising concerns over potential production cuts and lower-quality output.

Some orders running into thousands of metric tonnes have reportedly been scrapped, while delivery timelines have extended significantly—from a few weeks to several months—further straining operations.

To cope with shortages, companies are tightening inventory checks and exploring alternative sourcing routes, though rising logistics costs and limited availability continue to pose challenges. Industry analysts warn that prolonged disruption could impact global supply chains, particularly for battery manufacturers dependent on Congo’s cobalt.

The situation highlights the vulnerability of critical mineral supply chains to geopolitical conflicts, with the Iran-linked disruptions now affecting industries far beyond the Middle East.