DR Congo Explores Minerals-For-Security Deal With The US

The United States is considering a potential partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to secure access to critical minerals, following discussions initiated by a senior Congolese official.

According to the Financial Times, the DRC proposed a minerals-for-security deal, offering valuable resources for military support to address ongoing conflict in the region, particularly with the M23 rebel group who seized control of eastern parts of the North Kivu province.

President Felix Tshisekedi recently hinted at the deal in an interview for the New York Times, while a State Department spokesperson confirmed the situation.

"The DRC is endowed with a significant share of the world's critical minerals required for advanced technologies. The United States is open to discussing partnerships in this sector that align with the Trump administration's America First agenda," they said.

The DRC has significant mineral resources, including cobalt, lithium, copper, and tantalum. It is a global leader in cobalt production, supplying over 70% of the metal's production. Cobalt is essential for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies.

Still, its status has been problematic, as declining prices forced foreign operators like the Chinese miner MMG to pause production. Meanwhile, the government implemented a four-month export ban to stabilize the oversupplied market.

On top of illegal mining and smuggling, escalating armed conflicts are likely the main catalyst for ongoing talks with Washington. The M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by neighboring Rwanda, has seized significant territory in the eastern part of the country, threatening mineral-rich territory.

Since the conflict has also drawn in neighboring Burundi and Uganda, the situation risks escalating into a full-scale regional conflict.

While a deal with the U.S. would stabilize the region, in exchange, the U.S. would gain access to critical minerals and reduce reliance on Chinese-dominated supply chains.

China controls most of the DRC's mining sector through the state-owned MMG. Washington could seize this opportunity to reduce Beijing's influence while securing resources for its industrial needs.

Yet, a deal between Washington and Kinhasa is a tall order. The political climate in Kinshasa is volatile, and past foreign mining agreements in the DRC have faced criticism over transparency issues.

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