The United States is exploring critical mineral partnerships with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a proposal from a Congolese senator for a minerals-for-security agreement.
This initiative comes as the US seeks to secure access to vital resources while promoting peace in the conflict-ridden eastern regions of the DRC.
The DRC, which holds some of the world’s largest deposits of cobalt, lithium, and uranium, has been grappling with an ongoing conflict involving M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda.
The insurgents have captured significant territory this year, further destabilising the region.
Against this backdrop, the US aims to foster cooperation that could address both economic and security challenges.
US senior adviser Massad Boulos recently met with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa to discuss the proposal.
“You have heard about a minerals agreement,” Boulos stated.
“We have reviewed the Congo’s proposal, and… the president and I have agreed on a path forward for its development.”
However, details of any potential agreement remain undisclosed.
China currently dominates the Congolese minerals market, which is critical for producing mobile phones and electric vehicles.
The US aims to introduce a more transparent and economically beneficial approach to its operations in the DRC, signalling a strategic effort to counter China‘s influence in the region.
Joseph Bangakya, a Congolese MP and head of the Congo-US friendship group, emphasised the importance of collaboration between the two nations.
“It is essential for our country to achieve a trade agreement with the United States,” Bangakya told Reuters.
He also highlighted the need for lasting peace to ensure economic prosperity.
“There can be no economic prosperity without security,” he added.
The DRC’s mineral wealth remains largely untapped despite its status as the world’s largest cobalt producer in 2022, accounting for nearly 68 per cent of global output with 130,000 tonnes mined.
In addition to cobalt, the country possesses significant reserves of gold and high-grade copper.
This push for partnership aligns with recent US trade policies, including a newly announced 10 per cent baseline tariff on all imports.
By investing in Congolese minerals, Washington seeks to secure critical resources while supporting stability in one of Africa’s most resource-rich but conflict-prone nations.
As lawmakers in Kinshasa draft legislation aimed at improving the country’s business environment, both sides appear poised to deepen ties.
Whether this initiative will lead to tangible agreements remains uncertain, but it underscores the growing geopolitical importance of critical minerals in shaping global alliances.
