DRC Signals Flexibility on US Minerals Deal, Says Alternative Partners Remain an Option
DRC Mines Minister Says US Critical Minerals Framework Must Deliver Projects or Congo Will Seek Other Partners
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will pursue alternative partnerships if its minerals cooperation framework with the United States does not translate into concrete investment projects, Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, Watum Kabamba stressed that the agreement with Washington remains a preliminary framework rather than a binding commercial deal.
“Everything we have done with America is a framework under which we will discuss questions of mutual interest. That is all it is,” he said. “It may become a major project. It may also become another initiative that does not interest them. We will continue because there are many other partners to engage with.”
The DRC, which holds some of the world’s largest reserves of cobalt, copper and lithium, signed a framework agreement with the United States in December aimed at developing supply chains for critical minerals used in data centres, defence systems and electric vehicles.
The move aligns with Washington’s efforts to diversify supply sources and reduce reliance on China in strategic mineral markets.
However, Watum Kabamba emphasized that no assets have been transferred and no concessions granted under the agreement.
“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,” he said.
He added that less than 10% of Congo’s mineral potential is currently being exploited, underscoring the country’s significant untapped resource base.
The DRC hosts a range of major mining operators, including Glencore, Ivanhoe Mines, CMOC Group and Zijin Mining.
Addressing geopolitical tensions between China and the United States, the minister said the DRC intends to remain focused on its own national interests.
“The rivalry between China and the United States we are not interested in it. We must play our own game as the DRC,” he said. “We have our own priorities: feeding our people and investing in human capital for our youth.”
The minister’s remarks underscore Kinshasa’s strategy of maintaining diversified partnerships while seeking investment terms that support domestic development and long-term economic transformation.
