The U.S. is in talks with the DRC to secure access to critical minerals in exchange for military support. This agreement aims to enhance DRC’s military against rebel groups controlling mineral areas while reducing Chinese influence in the sector.
The United States is engaged in preliminary discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) regarding a strategic agreement. This prospective deal would grant the U.S. access to the DRC’s vital mineral resources in exchange for military assistance, as reported by the Financial Times.
The DRC, renowned for its immense mineral wealth, is the leading global producer of cobalt, contributing over 70% of the worldwide supply. Additionally, the nation possesses significant quantities of gold, copper, tin, lithium, and tantalum, coalescing into an invaluable resource for various industrial sectors, especially electric vehicle batteries.
However, many mineral-rich regions in eastern DRC are currently under the influence of the M23 rebel group, allegedly supported by Rwanda, which has resulted in the illicit smuggling of Congolese minerals across the border. To address this challenge, any potential agreement with the U.S. may involve military reinforcement for the DRC to curtail ongoing conflicts.
In a letter addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Congolese Senator Pierre Kandi Kalambayi proposed that American companies be granted mining rights in return for U.S. support in equipping and training the Congolese armed forces, as the Financial Times reports. This would also provide the U.S. with an opportunity to mitigate China’s influence in Congo’s mining sector.
According to a spokesperson from the State Department, “The DRC has a significant share of the world’s most important minerals needed for advanced technologies. The United States is open to discussing partnerships in this sector that align with the ‘America First’ program of the Trump administration.”
In summary, the United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo are in preliminary discussions about a minerals deal that could grant the U.S. access to the DRC’s critical mineral resources in exchange for military support. Given the DRC’s significant mineral reserves and ongoing challenges posed by armed groups, this potential partnership may serve to both bolster the DRC’s military capabilities and counter China’s dominance in its mining sector.
Original Source: www.mining.com
