Burundi Signs Strategic Mining Agreements With U.S. Companies in Washington
Burundi Signs Critical Minerals Deals With KoBold Metals and Lifezone Metals in Washington
The United States Department of State hosted a signing ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Monday for two strategic agreements between the government of Burundi and American mining companies aimed at advancing exploration and development of critical minerals.
The event took place in the presence of Sarah Troutman, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, whose mandate includes promoting U.S. exports and expanding investment opportunities for American companies across sub-Saharan Africa.
Agreement With KoBold Metals
The first agreement links the Burundian government with KoBold Metals, a California-based company specializing in the use of artificial intelligence to identify deposits of critical minerals.
The partnership focuses on the digitization of Burundi’s geoscientific archives, including data held internationally particularly at the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren, Belgium.
Under the agreement, the first set of digitized geological data is expected to be published before July 1, 2026, improving access to information for exploration and investment.
KoBold Metals was represented at the ceremony by its legal director, Sandy Alexander.
Musongati Nickel Project Deal
The second agreement establishes a 14-month exclusivity period between the Burundian government and Lifezone Metals, a mining company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, for the development of the Musongati Nickel Project.
Located within the East African nickel belt, the project was estimated in a 2011 study to contain more than 140 million tonnes of mineral resources.
In addition to nickel, the deposit is believed to contain significant quantities of copper, cobalt, gold, platinum-group metals, and scandium.
Lifezone Metals was represented at the signing by its chief executive officer, Chris Showalter. Speaking during the ceremony, Sarah Troutman emphasized that building resilient supply chains for critical minerals has become a national security priority for the United States.
She highlighted the growing role of African countries in securing these strategic resources needed for advanced technologies, energy transition, and industrial development.
Part of the FORGE Initiative
The agreements form part of the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE), a new initiative launched in February 2026 with the participation of Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, and representatives from 54 countries.
The initiative aims to reshape global supply chains for critical minerals and rare earth elements, strengthening cooperation between the United States and partner nations.
Regional Engagement
Burundi’s delegation was led by Minister Hassan Kibeya, accompanied by Festus Bimenyimana, Chief of Strategic Studies, and Bosco Barege, Burundi’s ambassador.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, Sarah Troutman also met with a delegation from Gabon led by Energy Minister Philippe Tonangoye and Petroleum and Gas Minister Clotaire Kondja.
Discussions focused on expanding U.S.–Gabon cooperation in critical minerals, energy development, the digital economy, and infrastructure projects.
