Sunday, August 24, 2025

Latest

US, Congo Explore Minerals-For-Security Deal As Rebels Advance

The United States has begun exploratory discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo on a potential agreement exchanging access to critical minerals for military support, according to officials and diplomatic correspondence.

Congo approached Washington with a proposal offering US companies extraction rights to minerals including cobalt and uranium in return for support against M23 rebels who have seized mineral-rich territory in the country’s east.

The central African nation holds an estimated $24 trillion in untapped resources, including the world’s largest cobalt reserves, crucial for electric vehicle batteries and defense applications.

Read: Congo Halts Cobalt Exports as Prices Hit 21-Year Low 

A letter sent to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio by Dr. Aaron Poynton of the Africa-USA Business Council on behalf of Congolese Senator Pierre Kanda Kalambayi proposed a comprehensive mineral and security partnership.

The proposed deal would involve granting US companies extraction rights to secure minerals for defense and technology sectors, developing the Banana Deep-Water Port with American oversight, establishing a joint strategic mineral stockpile, and enhancing military cooperation.

The military aspects include training Congolese forces to protect mineral supply routes, granting US access to strategic military bases, and “replacing ineffective UN peacekeeping operations with direct US-Congo security cooperation,” according to the letter.

Chinese companies currently dominate Congo’s mining sector, with most major extraction projects under their control. The letter to Rubio cited a “recent policy shift from President Tshisekedi” as presenting “a rare opportunity for the US to establish a direct and ethical supply chain” to counter China’s influence.

Read: China Has Quietly Spent $57 Billion to Control the World’s Critical Minerals

The letter, dated February 21 and received by the US Justice Department on February 27, also highlighted security concerns, stating that “on January 22, 2025, hostile forces seized 10% of Congolese territory, targeting the highest-value mineral deposits.”

The US State Department acknowledged the discussions but said there was “nothing to preview or announce at this time,” while a White House spokesperson declined to comment on the negotiations.

Mining analyst Jean-Pierre Okenda said parliamentary oversight would be essential for any deal, noting that previous minerals-for-infrastructure agreements with China failed to deliver promised benefits.

Poynton and Senator Kalambayi proposed “an urgent high-level visit for President Félix Tshisekedi to meet with key US leaders in Washington” and encouraged “President Trump’s direct involvement in these discussions” to secure congressional backing for the agreement.

Indigo Ellis, managing director at JS Held, told Financial Times that the proposal “reads like an act of desperation,” adding it may be Congo officials “scrambling to come up with things that might appeal to the US” as Tshisekedi’s position weakens amid rebel advances.


Information for this story was found via the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

G Mining Q2 Earnings: Costing Gone Wild

Aya Gold Q2 Earnings: Production Slips Amid Ramp Up

i-80 Gold Q2 Earnings: Better, But Not Great

Recommended

Emerita Resources Expands El Cura Drill Program By 10,000 Metres As Deposit Remains Open For Expansion

ESGold Signs MOU For Tailings Project In Colombia With Grades Up To 42 g/t Gold, 280 g/t Silver

Related News

Jervois Turns to Rescue Deal to Survive Cobalt Price Plunge

Jervois Global (TSXV: JRV) announced a major restructuring plan on Thursday, including delisting and privatization,...

Thursday, January 2, 2025, 10:05:44 AM

Copper Supply Disruptions Mount as Congo Halts Mine Operation Due to Radiation

Operations have been suspended at the La Compagnie Minière de Musonoie (COMMUS) copper and cobalt...

Monday, April 22, 2024, 03:04:00 PM

Gates, Bezos-Backed KoBold’s DRC Lithium Project To Test Trump-Brokered Regional Truce

KoBold Metals, the privately held, AI-driven explorer backed by billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates,...

Monday, July 28, 2025, 04:33:00 PM

Canada Walks Back On Targeting Chinese Investments In Canadian Mining Firms

Canada will not compel Chinese state investors in three of its major mining companies to...

Friday, March 10, 2023, 08:29:00 AM

Is the Canadian Government Blocking Zijin’s $130 Million Move on Solaris?

In a significant development for Solaris Resources Inc. (TSX: SLS), the Canadian government is reportedly...

Monday, February 5, 2024, 07:44:48 AM