The Democratic Republic of Congo has stopped processing copper and cobalt ores, in order to increase transparency and stop illegal mining.
Image/Reuters
Congo is the world's biggest exporter of cobalt, providing about 70% of the world's supply.
For many years, the country has faced problems with illegal mining, which has hurt the nation's income.
A new order, signed on December 19 by the Minister of Mines, Louis Watum Kabamba, tells all companies that process and sell copper and cobalt to stop their operations and check where the minerals come from.
The order also says a special group will be formed to make sure the rules are followed and to check if the minerals are legally obtained.
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