A study argues that cobalt exports from southern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) may include uranium that is not declared in trade data. Researchers focus on the DRC’s Copperbelt region, where cobalt and other minerals are produced and exported.
The study estimates the potential nuclear implications if the uranium were separated and processed. It reports that undeclared uranium associated with the cobalt supply chain could, in theory, be sufficient for roughly 600 to 1,500 nuclear weapons. The outlets presenting the findings describe the work as an assessment of global nuclear risk based on possible processing scenarios, rather than evidence that weapons are being produced.
The reporting emphasizes that the key concern is underreporting or lack of declaration, which could affect how uranium-related materials are monitored internationally. While the study quantifies a worst-case potential, the wider details—such as specific mines, quantities by shipment, and how detection and attribution would be verified—are framed through estimates rather than confirmed end-use outcomes.
