DR Congo Offers Strategic Mineral Assets to U.S. Investors Under Minerals Pact

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sent Washington a shortlist of state-owned mineral assets, including manganese, copper-cobalt, gold and lithium projects for potential investment under a minerals partnership, senior Congolese officials said.

The list was delivered to U.S. authorities last week and reflects Kinshasa’s most tangible step yet in converting peace and investment agreements with the United States into greater influence over the country’s critical minerals supply chain. Officials said the assets proposed include licences held by state companies such as Gecamines and Sokimo, covering key resources that are essential to global energy transition and technology markets.

The initiative follows diplomatic efforts by U.S. agencies to secure reliable supplies of strategic metals while reducing dependency on other global powers. The U.S. Development Finance Corporation has already backed infrastructure upgrades, including a $553 million investment in the Lobito Corridor, a transport link critical for mineral exports.

Congolese officials stated that the shortlisted assets have been vetted internally and will be presented to a joint committee established under the minerals pact to initiate contract negotiations. The body includes representatives from the ministries of economy, mines, and foreign affairs, as well as the head of the country’s mineral regulator.

DRC, home to some of the world’s richest mineral deposits, has been positioning itself as a key supplier of metals vital to electric vehicles, batteries and renewable technologies. The move to involve U.S. investors directly forms part of broader efforts to stabilise the mineral-rich east and integrate foreign capital into national development goals.

SOURCE: Reuters