The US State Department has expressed interest in critical minerals partnerships with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), recognising the DRC’s significant share of the world’s critical minerals, reported Reuters.
The US has been working to boost private sector investment in the DRC to develop mining resources responsibly and transparently, aligning with the America First Agenda.
The announcement comes after Andre Wameso, Deputy Chief of Staff to Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, visited Washington earlier this month for talks on a potential partnership.
Meanwhile, the Congolese Government is seeking to diversify partnerships, with Government Spokesman Patrick Muyaya confirming ongoing exchanges with the US.
A lobbyist for Congolese Senator Pierre Kanda Kalambayi also reached out to US officials, proposing investment in Congo’s mineral resources in exchange for regional stability support, the report said.
This initiative, however, was not officially sanctioned by the Congolese Government.
Several initiatives are reportedly under way, although they are still in the early stages, according to sources from Congo’s Presidency, its Ministry of Mines and Washington.
A planned meeting between a Congolese delegation and the US House Foreign Affairs Committee was cancelled at short notice.
Jason Stearns, a Congo expert at Simon Fraser University in Canada, noted that Congo’s mineral supply chains are currently dominated by China, presenting a challenge for US engagement.
Stearns added that the US lacks state-owned companies like those in China, and no private US mining companies currently operate in Congo.
Therefore, the Congolese may need to explore more complex ways to engage with the US.
In a related development, the DRC temporarily halted cobalt exports for a minimum of four months owing to a market surplus.
The prohibition came into effect on 22 February, as stated by the Authority for the Regulation and Control of Strategic Mineral Substances’ Markets.
