President Tshisekedi of the DRC has proposed that the U.S. and European nations access the country’s mineral resources, contingent upon their intervention to resolve the ongoing conflict. He emphasized direct trade over looted resources from Rwanda. The DRC, rich in minerals vital for technology and electric vehicles, faces significant challenges related to allegations of exploitation and environmental concerns.
In an assertive diplomatic initiative, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has proposed that the United States and European countries gain access to DRC’s extensive mineral resources, contingent on their intervention to halt the ongoing conflict within the nation. Presidential Spokesperson Tina Salama emphasized the necessity for the U.S. to purchase critical minerals directly from Kinshasa instead of acquiring ‘looted’ and ‘smuggled’ materials via Rwanda, asserting that the DRC is the legitimate proprietor of these valuable assets.
During an interview with The New York Times, President Tshisekedi conveyed that an agreement concerning minerals could potentially usher in greater security and stability for the DRC. He further noted that the previous Trump administration had shown interest in establishing direct ties for a supply of vital minerals from the country. Tshisekedi’s proposal follows recent U.S. sanctions against James Kabarebe, a Rwandan military figure with connections to the M23 rebel group that has taken control of significant areas in eastern DRC, including Goma.
Currently, China enjoys more substantial access to Congo’s mineral wealth than the United States, while the European Union has engaged in discussions with Rwanda. In the previous year, the EU negotiated a substantial $935 million agreement with Rwanda in exchange for minerals such as tin, tungsten, and gold. European foreign ministers convened recently but failed to achieve a consensus on immediate sanctions against Rwanda, potentially reviewing their agreement regarding raw materials.
The DRC has repeatedly accused Rwanda of exploiting the chaos to illegally mine and transport Congolese minerals, including gold, copper, cobalt, and coltan, which are essential for high-tech manufacturing and electric vehicle batteries. Reports indicate that the M23 rebel group has captured valuable mining territories, leading to a monthly smuggling of around 120 tonnes of coltan into Rwanda, with the latter experiencing a notable increase in mineral exports. Despite these allegations, Rwanda continues to deny any wrongdoing.
The DRC is the world’s foremost cobalt producer, having extracted 220,000 metric tons of cobalt last year, as indicated by the U.S. Geological Survey. Moreover, it is noteworthy that approximately 70% of the global tantalum supply comes from the DRC and neighboring Rwanda. The eastern region is also rich in deposits of tin and tungsten, alongside significant coltan reserves, which have been linked to various socio-environmental issues such as child labor, environmental damage, and human rights abuses.
In summary, President Tshisekedi’s offer to provide mineral access to the U.S. and Europe in exchange for peace highlights the ongoing conflict within the DRC and the complex dynamics involving regional players like Rwanda. While the DRC remains a critical source of valuable minerals, allegations of exploitation and the impact on local communities continue to pose significant challenges. Addressing these issues will be vital for fostering stability and ethical sourcing within the region.
Original Source: www.mining.com
