DR Congo Seals Deal With US of America on Critical Minerals
Following the shortlist of state-controlled mining assets — including #cobalt, #copper, #gold, #lithium, and #manganese — submitted in January 2026 to the United States of America (USA) for consideration, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed an agreement with the US. The signature ceremony took place in the context of the Critical Minerals Ministerial on 4 February 2026, which saw the participation of the Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi.
The Agreement will prioritize American interests in DR Congo’s mining sector in order to diversify the mineral supply chain. In particular, the DRC is expected to contribute significantly to the strategic stockpile that the US and its like-minded allies are constituting as a buffer against the weaponization of #CriticalMinerals, including #RareEarths. It is worth remembering that the DRC produces 70% of the world’s cobalt and accounts for 15% of the global output of copper.
“In our meeting with President Tshisekedi, we discussed the importance of our critical minerals’ partnership and continued investment in revitalizing the #LobitoCorridor to foster mutual economic growth, regional trade, and long-term US-Africa cooperation. We also expressed our concerns about the ongoing occupation of parts of Eastern Congo by the Rwanda-backed M23 group, and the urgent need for Rwandan forces to fully withdraw from the region if there is to be any chance at real, lasting peace.”
US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch
Whilst in DC, President Tshisekedi also had the opportunity to meet with Jim Risch and Jeanne Shahee, Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in order to exchange views on the situation in DR Congo and the situation in eastern DRC, in particular.
In parallel with the G2G agreement, Glencore (LSE: GLEN) agreed in principle to sell 40% of its stake in DR Congo copper-cobalt mines to the American company Orion Critical Mineral Consortium. The mining assets of Glencore include the Mutanda and Kamoto mines and are valued at about USD 9 billion.
“This proposed transaction is exactly what Orion Critical Minerals Consortium was established to achieve — securing long-life, high-quality production of critical minerals while supporting resilient supply chains for the United States and its allies.”
Orion CEO Oskar Lewnowski
The US Government is also a shareholder in the Orion Critical Mineral Consortium via investment by the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). In addition, ADQ, the Sovereign Wealth Fund (#SWF) of the United Arab Emirates, is also backing the Consortium financially.
Tshisekedi also had the opportunity to elaborate on certain other flagship bankable projects ready for investment to the US side during his meeting with US Secretary, Marco Rubio, and Special Advisor on African Affairs, Massad Boulos. Additionally, President Tshisekedi participated in the US-DRC Presidential Business Roundtable organized by the US Chamber of Commerce. President Tshisekedi echoed the aspirations of African states to escalate the global value chain (#GVC) in the mining sector.
Last but not least, he was given the rare honor to attend the National Prayer Breakfast hosted by Trump. On that occasion, President Trump did not miss the opportunity to publicly heap praise upon President Tshisekedi.
