Congo’s Mineral Wealth Attracts U.S. Interest

The United States (US) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are in exploratory talks over a potential partnership for critical minerals.

The discussions aim to diversify US mineral sources and reduce reliance on China, which dominates the sector. The DRC’s mineral sector remains largely controlled by Chinese firms, and US engagement could shift influence in the industry while addressing regional security concerns.

The DRC, home to vast reserves of cobalt, lithium, copper, and uranium, has proposed granting US companies exploration rights in exchange for support in improving regional stability. The proposal comes amid ongoing conflicts with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo, which have disrupted mining operations.

A US State Department spokesperson acknowledged the importance of the DRC’s resources, expressing openness to partnerships aligned with responsible and transparent development. The Congolese government has not disclosed details of the proposal but has signalled interest in diversifying investment.

The negotiations align with broader US efforts to secure global mineral supplies, including recent talks on mining agreements in Ukraine and Greenland. While still in the early stages, a US-Congo partnership could reshape global supply chains for key minerals used in advanced technologies.

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