The Congolese government will test a representative sample of cobalt-hydroxide exports, assess potential health and environmental risks and seek technical support from the International Atomic Energy Agency. It has promised to publish the investigation’s findings within 60 days.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has ordered an official investigation into allegations that uranium has moved through the country’s cobalt supply chain, marking the first coordinated government response to the controversy.
In a communiqué dated 6 August 2026, the government announced that a representative sample of cobalt-hydroxide exports would undergo laboratory analysis. Testing will be conducted by a national laboratory and an internationally accredited laboratory under what the authorities describe as a transparent protocol.
An interministerial working group will verify the allegations, establish the facts, evaluate potential health and environmental risks and propose appropriate measures. Its report is expected within 60 days.
Kinshasa also intends to consult the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, with a view to arranging a technical-support mission under existing cooperation and safeguards mechanisms.
The government has pledged to publish the investigation’s findings regardless of the outcome.
Kinshasa challenges the underlying study
The investigation follows research published in Nature Communications on 30 July. Its authors estimated that between 2,000 and 5,000 tonnes of natural uranium may have left the DRC between 2000 and 2024 within cobalt-hydroxide exports, most of which were shipped to China.
The Congolese government acknowledges that uranium occurs naturally alongside copper and cobalt in parts of Lualaba and Haut-Katanga. It says this geological association has been documented for more than a century.
However, it disputes the methodology used to calculate the estimated uranium volumes. According to the government, the study did not rely on direct measurements taken from individual export shipments and instead used modelling that was not specific to each mining operation.
The authorities argue that direct sampling and contradictory laboratory analysis are required before conclusions can be reached.
Chinese-owned mining companies operating in the DRC have separately rejected allegations that their products contained uranium above applicable limits.
Several institutions will participate
The investigation will involve the National Committee for Protection against Ionising Radiation, the General Atomic Energy Commission and the Centre for Evaluation, Expertise and Certification. Technical departments from the ministries responsible for mines, scientific research and other relevant areas will also participate.
Their mandate extends beyond determining whether uranium is present. The working group must assess whether its concentration creates risks for workers, surrounding communities or the environment.
The government says worker health and the protection of mining communities will be incorporated into its response.
For international cobalt buyers, the investigation could provide greater clarity about the testing and certification of Congolese mineral products. For mining companies, independent results could either confirm compliance or identify where additional treatment and monitoring are required.
The government’s commitment to publish the report creates a clear benchmark. Within 60 days, the credibility of its response will depend on the quality of the sampling, the independence of the laboratories and the level of detail disclosed to the public.
