US, Congo In ‘Exploratory Talks’ Over Minerals Deal
The United States is holding “exploratory talks” with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over a deal that would give it access to the African nation’s critical minerals in exchange for military support, the Financial Times reported late on Friday.
The Congolese government first brought up the possible deal two weeks ago, after President Felix Tshisekedi gave an interview to the New York Times stating that the Trump administration has shown interest in its vast wealth of minerals.
One of Africa’s most richly endowed countries, the DRC is world’s largest producer of cobalt — a critical mineral used in many industrial applications including electric vehicle batteries — accounting for over 70% of global production. It also holds significant reserves of gold, copper, tin, lithium and tantalum.
However, many of the mineral-rich areas in eastern DRC are now under the control of the M23 rebel group, who, according to United Nations experts, has been backed by the neighbouring Rwanda and smuggling Congo’s minerals through the border.
While still in the early stages, any potential minerals deal with the US would likely equip Congo with military reinforcements to put an end to the conflict.
In a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Congolese Senator Pierre Kandi Kalambayi has proposed to grant American companies mining rights in exchange for US support in training and equipping the Congolese armed forces, FT reports.
“There is a desire for us to diversify our partners,” Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said last week, adding there were “daily exchanges” between Congo and the U.S.
The US also sees this as an opportunity to counter China’s dominance in the African nation’s mining sector.
“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,’ a State Department spokesperson told FT.
On Sunday, the State Department confirmed to Reuters its interest in the critical minerals deal, noting that Congo holds “a significant share of the world’s critical minerals required for advanced technologies.”
