US Seeks Closer Ties with DRC Miner Gecamines to Secure Critical Mineral Supply
The United States is actively engaged in regular dialogue with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s state miner, Gecamines, as part of efforts to strengthen ties with key suppliers of cobalt and copper in Africa, a senior State Department official informed Reuters.
With China’s aggressive investment in Congo, Zambia, and other African nations, Washington has increasingly expressed concerns about the concentration of mineral supplies essential for electric vehicles and electronics in the hands of a single dominant player.
Jose Fernandez, the US State Department’s under secretary for economic growth, energy, and the environment, revealed in an interview this week that discussions with Gecamines revolve around supply agreements and potential mining projects the company is exploring. These conversations occur approximately every four to six weeks.
The Mineral Security Partnership (MSP), a collaboration involving over a dozen countries and the European Union, recently struck a deal with Gecamines and Japan’s JOGMEC. Fernandez attributed this agreement to ongoing discussions with Gecamines.
Fernandez emphasized the importance of diversifying mineral supply chains, stating, “Be it China or anybody else, it’s just not good to have one single supplier of anything.”
He highlighted the necessity for host countries to avoid scenarios where investors neglect environmental responsibilities and fail to engage local workforces.
Regarding speculations about the US government’s interest in acquiring Canadian miner First Quantum’s Zambian assets, Fernandez declined to comment.
However, he reiterated the US’s commitment to collaborating with Zambia and Congo on mining and regulatory frameworks.
Despite China’s dominance in Africa’s critical mineral sector, Fernandez clarified that Washington’s objective isn’t to counter China’s influence directly.
Instead, the US aims to diversify its supply chains and promote higher mining standards among African partners.
SOURCE:mining.com
