Democratic Republic of Congo Signals Readiness to Seek New Partners if U.S. Minerals Deal Falls Short
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has made it clear that it will pursue alternative international partnerships if its current minerals cooperation framework with the United States fails to produce tangible investment projects, according to the country’s Minister of Mines, Louis Watum Kabamba.
Speaking on the sidelines of the prestigious Indaba Mining Conference in Cape Town on February 11, the minister emphasised that the agreement with the U.S. remains a preliminary framework designed to explore areas of mutual interest rather than a binding commitment.
“Everything we have done with America is a framework under which we will discuss questions of mutual interest. That is all it is,” Watum Kabamba explained. “It may become a major project, or it may turn out to be something that does not interest them. Either way, we will continue to engage because there are many other partners we can work with.”
Strategic Minerals at the Centre of Global Interest
The DRC is home to some of the world’s largest reserves of critical minerals, including cobalt, copper, and lithium, resources that are essential for powering modern technologies such as electric vehicles, data centres, and defence systems. In December, the Central African nation signed a framework agreement with the United States aimed at developing supply chains for these vital materials.
The agreement reflects Washington’s broader strategy to secure access to key natural resources and reduce reliance on China, which currently dominates global production and processing of many critical minerals.
However, Congolese authorities insist that any partnership must deliver clear benefits for the country.
“For those who think we are going to sell everything for nothing to America, I must be very clear: we have sold nothing, and we will sell nothing for nothing,” the minister stressed.
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Vast Untapped Potential
Despite its immense natural wealth, Watum Kabamba revealed that less than 10% of the country’s mineral resources are currently being exploited. This highlights the significant opportunity for investment and development in the sector.
The DRC’s mining industry already hosts several major global players, including Western-listed companies such as Glencore and Ivanhoe Mines, alongside Chinese firms like CMOC Group and Zijin Mining. The government continues to seek partnerships that will expand production, boost economic growth, and strengthen the country’s development agenda.
Prioritising National Interests
While global competition between major powers intensifies over access to strategic resources, the DRC has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining an independent approach.
“The rivalry between China and the United States, we are not interested in it. We must play our own game as the DRC,” Watum Kabamba stated. “We have our own challenges. We must feed our people and invest in human capital for our youth.”
The government’s position underscores its focus on leveraging its vast mineral wealth to drive sustainable development, job creation, and long-term economic transformation, while ensuring that international partnerships align with national priorities.
As global demand for critical minerals continues to surge, the Democratic Republic of Congo remains a key player in shaping the future of the global supply chain, determined to secure fair and beneficial deals that support its growth and development ambitions.
