DRC offers U.S. exclusive access to cobalt and lithium in return for security support, aiming to reshape resource diplomacy amid peace effortsDRC Seeks Exclusive Minerals Pact with U.S. Amid Shift from China
KINSHASA / WASHINGTON — The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has stepped up diplomatic efforts with the United States, offering exclusive access to its vast mineral wealth—including cobalt, lithium, copper, and tantalum—in return for military assistance and long-term development support.
The offer, presented during high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., mirrors a previous U.S.–Ukraine critical minerals pact. It’s part of Kinshasa’s broader strategy to reduce dependency on Chinese mining firms, which currently control over 70% of cobalt refining capacity worldwide.
Strategic Minerals as Diplomatic Currency
DRC President Félix Tshisekedi has revived the “minerals-for-security” framework, calling on American investors to enter joint ventures in extraction and infrastructure development.
“The DRC does not want to be merely a source of raw materials—we want to be a hub of value addition and innovation,” Tshisekedi said during a policy forum at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is expected to underwrite several of the proposed investments, especially in regions bordering Rwanda and Uganda.
Peace Deal Lays the Groundwork
The initiative follows the June 27 peace accord with Rwanda, brokered by Washington, which calls for a phased troop withdrawal from eastern Congo and the creation of an economic corridor along the Goma–Rubavu axis.
“Without peace, minerals are a curse. But with regional stability, they can be a pillar of prosperity,” said U.S. Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Amb. Michael Hammer, during a Wall Street Journal briefing.
This opens the door for sustainable mineral extraction partnerships—potentially under ESG-compliant frameworks.
Ethical and Strategic Risks
However, analysts warn that the deal may deepen geopolitical tensions while doing little to improve local conditions.
“This proposal might secure short-term U.S. interest, but it doesn’t address governance, corruption, or displacement,” said Rose Mumanya, a Nairobi-based security analyst, in an Anadolu Agency interview.
Critics also question the lack of community safeguards, fearing that foreign-backed projects may replicate previous extractive models.
A Pivot Away from Beijing
The DRC’s move signals a geopolitical pivot, as Kinshasa looks to dilute China’s dominance in its mining sector. Chinese firms like CMOC Group currently operate major cobalt and copper mines, including the massive Tenke Fungurume project.
“We’re not anti-China,” said Congolese Mining Minister Antoinette N’Samba Kalambayi. “We’re pro-Congo—and diversification gives us leverage.”
According to Reuters, Chinese investment in DRC’s mining sector surpassed $10 billion between 2010 and 2022, while U.S. FDI remains under $1.5 billion.
What’s Next?
U.S. and Congolese negotiators are expected to finalize the framework by Q4 2025, with discussions centered on transparency, local equity participation, and community benefit-sharing.
The DRC government plans to table the proposal in parliament this September, seeking bipartisan backing and signaling commitment to economic reforms and resource governance.
“This is not just a deal with America—it’s a statement to the world that Congo wants partners, not patrons,” said President Tshisekedi.
CSIS and other think tanks continue to monitor developments closely.
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