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In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. President Donald Trump has welcomed Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi to Washington, highlighting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as a key player in the U.S. strategy to secure vital mineral resources. This partnership comes at a time when the DRC, long embroiled in conflict, is emerging as a focal point for American interests in copper and cobalt—minerals essential for various technologies, including electric vehicles.
A Historic Mineral Deal
During a recent National Prayer Breakfast, Trump announced that a commercial agreement facilitating U.S. access to the DRC’s mineral wealth has been established as part of a broader peace initiative between Congo and Rwanda. He described this deal as the largest of its kind in U.S.-Africa relations, a considerable boast considering China’s dominance in the Congolese mining sector, where it manages approximately 70 to 80 per cent of copper and cobalt extraction.
Despite ongoing violence in the eastern regions of the DRC, where conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and mass displacements, the Trump administration is pushing forward with its mining agenda. The focus remains on breaking China’s hold over these critical resources.
Major Investments and Partnerships
In a notable development, Swiss-based commodity powerhouse Glencore announced a preliminary agreement to divest 40 per cent of its Congolese copper and cobalt assets to the Orion Critical Mineral Consortium, which includes U.S. government interests. This transaction is projected to value Glencore’s Congolese operations at around US$9 billion, underscoring the strategic importance of these assets.
Orion’s CEO, Oskar Lewnowski, remarked that this deal aligns with the consortium’s mission to secure a stable supply of critical minerals for the U.S. and its allies. Additionally, the consortium is backed by two state-owned investment entities—the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, ADQ—indicating a robust commitment to U.S. interests in the region.
Project Vault: A New Initiative
On the heels of these announcements, Trump also unveiled Project Vault, a US$12 billion initiative aimed at building a domestic stockpile of critical minerals. Vancouver-based Ivanhoe Mines is in discussions to contribute to this stockpile through its Kipushi mine in the DRC. Ivanhoe’s founder, Robert Friedland, attended the announcement, signifying the importance of Congolese resources in U.S. economic strategy.
Tshisekedi’s visit included participation in a critical minerals summit hosted by the U.S. State Department, where he was one of the few African leaders invited. His discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio focused on the ongoing peace process and the potential for increased American investment in the DRC.
A Cautious Optimism
The highlight of Tshisekedi’s visit was his appearance at the National Prayer Breakfast, where Trump praised him as a “brave and wonderful man,” although he momentarily stumbled over his name. The event showcased the burgeoning relationship between the two countries, with Trump asserting that their collaboration marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Africa relations.
However, experts warn that Tshisekedi must tread carefully in his dealings with the Trump administration. Critics argue that the mineral agreements could jeopardise the DRC’s sovereignty and limit its manoeuvrability in both economic and foreign policy pursuits. Such concerns highlight the complexities of engaging with powerful foreign partners while striving for national self-determination.
Why it Matters
The evolving relationship between the U.S. and the DRC signifies a shift in global mineral supply chains, particularly in the context of growing demand for critical minerals in technology and renewable energy sectors. As the U.S. seeks to diminish China’s influence in Africa, this partnership could reshape not only the DRC’s economic landscape but also the geopolitical dynamics of the region. The implications for local communities and governance remain to be seen, as the DRC navigates the potential pitfalls of foreign investment against a backdrop of ongoing conflict.
