The United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are on the verge of finalizing negotiations centered on expanding U.S. access to critical minerals. Through this deal, the U.S. aims to strengthen its foothold in Africa’s mineral market while simultaneously providing security assistance to the conflict-ridden eastern region of the DRC.
Masad Boulos, the Africa advisor appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump, recently confirmed, “The framework of the negotiations has been formally agreed upon, and we have reached an understanding with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi.” The talks primarily focus on increasing investments by U.S. private companies in essential mineral resources such as lithium, cobalt, and copper, which are vital for electric vehicle batteries and advanced industries.
The U.S. plans to guarantee related investments through the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), supporting private sector participation in mineral development.
Companies considering involvement in the agreement include Kobold Metals—backed by Bill Gates—as well as Orion Resources Partners, Rio Tinto, and United Mining.
In February, the DRC proposed opening some of its mining rights to the U.S. in exchange for security support. This aligns with broader U.S. efforts to diversify its mineral supply chains, including expanding mineral trade with Ukraine.
Notably, the U.S. has also taken on an indirect security role by mediating diplomatically in eastern DRC, where conflict persists between the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, and Congolese forces. In one instance, U.S. intervention facilitated a withdrawal of rebels and a halt to drone attacks near a tin mine operated by Alphamin Resources, whose major shareholder is U.S.-based Denham Capital.
The DRC is the world’s second-largest copper producer and the top cobalt supplier, with its eastern region rich in strategic minerals like gold, coltan, lithium, cobalt, and copper. However, the presence of over 140 armed groups continues to pose risks to securing a stable supply chain.
Nevertheless, the Tshisekedi administration sees this negotiation as an opportunity to enhance security cooperation with the U.S. while attracting large-scale foreign investment as part of a broader strategic approach.
