Research indicates that thousands of tonnes of uranium have likely been exported from the Democratic Republic of Congo alongside cobalt, raising concerns about nuclear security and public health.
Key facts
- •The DRC produces 70% of the world's cobalt, which is essential for technologies like smartphones and laptops.
- •The estimated 2,000–5,000 tonnes of exported uranium could theoretically be processed into enough material for 600–1,500 nuclear weapons.
- •Only three of 31 examined mining operations appeared to be consistently using techniques to remove uranium from cobalt exports.
- •The study estimates that 1,000–4,000 tonnes of uranium have been discarded in tailings areas, creating potential health risks for local communities.
- •In response to the study, the DRC government began testing outgoing cobalt shipments for uranium content in July 2026.
A study published in Nature Communications in July 2026 suggests that between 2,000 and 5,000 tonnes of natural uranium were exported from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in cobalt-hydroxide shipments between 2000 and 2024. The researchers, who utilized geologic mapping and production data, found that less than 10% of this uranium appears to have been declared to the International Atomic Energy Agency, with most of the material exported to China.
By the numbers
Geologic Co-occurrence and Processing
The issue stems from a geologic coincidence in the DRC's Copperbelt, where cobalt-bearing minerals often contain uranium. Because uranium and cobalt respond similarly to chemical processing, the uranium frequently remains in the final cobalt product intended for export. While techniques exist to remove uranium from cobalt, the study found that only three of 31 operations investigated appeared to be consistently implementing such measures. The scale of the industry is significant, with the DRC exporting over 200,000 tonnes of cobalt in 2024. Even if mines were to implement removal strategies, the researchers estimate that enough uranium would still reach China to potentially produce approximately 12 nuclear weapons per year.
Security and Health Risks
The undocumented flow of uranium presents both global security risks and local environmental hazards. The study estimates that 1,000–4,000 tonnes of uranium have been discarded in tailings areas, posing health risks to nearby communities and miners. Previous research has identified signs of uranium exposure in some local populations through blood and urine sampling. Following the publication of these findings, the DRC government launched a probe to test outgoing cobalt shipments for uranium and initiated consultations with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The researchers recommend systematic assay measurements of cobalt products, worker radiation monitoring, and policies mandating the proper treatment and disposal of uranium extracted during mining.
Timeline
- 1942–1947The Shinkolobwe mine served as the primary source of uranium for the U.S. Manhattan Project.
- 2004The Shinkolobwe mine was officially closed to excavation.
- 2020Discussion of techniques to remove uranium from cobalt began to emerge.
- July 2026The study was published, prompting the DRC to launch a probe into uranium content in cobalt shipments.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Phys.org.
