On August 6, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) issued an administrative decree, imposing a complete ban on the export of copper concentrates and cobalt concentrates. Simultaneously, it introduced a new tax framework, which levies new taxes on mining by-products with a tax valuation coefficient of 55%. This new tax framework is set to take effect in three months. The announcement triggered a surge in global copper prices, reaching a record high.

In response to the decree, on August 7, Zijin Mining clarified that the products from its Kolwezi copper mine consist of blister copper and electrolytic copper, while the Kamoa-Kakula copper mine produces anode plates and blister copper. None of these products fall under the DRC's list of prohibited exports. Similarly, Hanrui Cobalt and China Molybdenum also confirmed that their operations would remain unaffected by the new regulations.