Regional conflict - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

USA Eyes DRC’s Coltan as Key to Peace, Investment, and Supply Chain Security 1

A recent peace agreement signed in Washington between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda is raising eyebrows—not only for its geopolitical implications but also for its economic undercurrents. The lengthy document includes a significant clause that effectively ties U.S. private investment to mineral-rich regions in eastern DRC. In particular, the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu—bordering Rwanda—are known for their abundant reserves of cobalt, coltan (tantalum), tin, lithium, and gold. Reports suggest that American investors have expressed strong interest in the Rubaya coltan mine, currently under… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance Regional conflict

DRC & Rwanda Sign Provisional Peace Deal in Washington with Support from U.S. and Qatar

June 26, 2025June 30, 2025 Constance

On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a provisional peace agreement in Washington, D.C., with mediation by the United States and Qatar. The agreement marks a significant step toward ending the long-standing conflict between the two nations, particularly in the violence-stricken eastern region of the DRC. The initialed accord outlines key commitments, including the disengagement of armed groups and the mutual respect of each country’s territorial integrity. According to a joint statement released the same day, the formal signing of the final agreement… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining Regional conflict

Armed Presence Disrupts Artisanal Mining in Walikale

May 25, 2025May 25, 2025 Constance

Artisanal mining operations in Walikale territory, North Kivu, are facing serious disruptions due to the involvement of soldiers and members of the Wazalendo militia, despite clear prohibitions under the Democratic Republic of Congo’s mining code. Civil society groups and traditional chiefs have raised concerns over the growing presence of armed actors at mining sites, particularly in the Utunda group of the Wanianga sector. These groups report that soldiers and militias are not just providing protection—they are actively participating in the artisanal extraction of gold and cassiterite by digging wells and… Read More Here

Tin Mining in DRC Regional conflict

U.S. Partners with Rwanda to Secure Strategic Tin Supply Amid Rising Geopolitical Risks

May 14, 2025May 14, 2025 Constance

Amid rising geopolitical tensions and the growing global demand for critical minerals, the United States has announced a strategic partnership with Rwanda to secure direct access to tin—an essential metal for the electronics and renewable energy sectors. On Tuesday, a letter of intent was signed between the U.S. government, Trinity Metals (which operates in Rwanda), and Nathan Trotter & Co., a major U.S.-based tin supplier. The agreement aims to establish a direct and reliable tin supply chain between Rwanda and the American market. This initiative is part of Washington’s broader… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Regional conflict

U.S. Pushes for DRC-Rwanda Peace Deal Tied to Multi-Billion Dollar Mineral Investments

May 3, 2025May 3, 2025 Constance

The United States is working to broker a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, with the goal of finalizing and signing the accord at the White House in roughly two months. The peace deal would be accompanied by bilateral mineral agreements expected to unlock billions of dollars in Western investment across the region, according to Massad Boulos, senior advisor for Africa to former President Donald Trump. “When we sign the peace agreement, the minerals deal with the DRC will be signed that same day, followed… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Regional conflict

Francophone Ambassadors Urge Ceasefire and Dialogue Amid Deteriorating Security in DRC

March 22, 2025March 22, 2025 Constance

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, International Francophonie Day, members of the group of Francophone ambassadors in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) expressed deep concern over the escalating security crisis in the country’s east. This deterioration is primarily attributed to the offensive launched by the March 23 Movement (M23), with support from the Rwandan Defense Force. In a statement released on this occasion, the ambassadors called for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the need to address deeper issues, such as the illegal exploitation and export of natural resources, particularly to… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Regional conflict

DRC Seeks U.S. Security Partnership in Exchange for Critical Mineral Access

March 22, 2025March 22, 2025 Constance

In a March 19, 2025, interview with Fox News, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi confirmed his government’s interest in negotiating a security partnership with the United States in return for access to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) vast critical mineral resources. “We are looking for partnerships and have established some with several countries. We believe that the United States, given its role and influence in the world, is an important partner for us. We are happy to see that with the Trump administration, things are moving forward at a faster… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance Regional conflict

Tshisekedi and Kagame Hold Landmark Talks in Doha Amid Escalating DRC Conflict

March 22, 2025March 22, 2025 Constance

After months of failed attempts, Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Paul Kagame of Rwanda finally met on March 18, 2025, in Doha, Qatar. Mediated by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the meeting marked a significant diplomatic breakthrough in efforts to resolve the escalating conflict in eastern DRC. A joint communiqué issued after the talks reaffirmed all parties’ commitment to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” referencing agreements made at the February East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Regional conflict Tin

Alphamin Halts Mining at Bisie Tin Mine Amid DRC Conflict

March 15, 2025March 15, 2025 Constance

TSX-V and JSE-listed Alphamin Resources has temporarily suspended mining operations at its Bisie tin mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to escalating conflict in the region. The company reported that insurgent militant groups advanced westward toward the mine site on March 9, posing a significant security risk. Prioritizing the safety of its employees and contractors, Alphamin stated that operations will remain suspended until the situation stabilizes. Only essential personnel remain on-site to oversee care, maintenance, and security. Alphamin also confirmed that peace talks between the governments of… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Regional conflict

DRC President Proposes Mineral Deal for Peace with US and Europe

February 27, 2025February 27, 2025 Constance

In a bold diplomatic move, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reportedly proposed granting the United States and Europe access to the country’s vast mineral resources, contingent upon their intervention to end the ongoing conflict devastating the nation. On Sunday, Presidential Spokesperson Tina Salama urged the US to “directly purchase critical minerals” from the DRC rather than sourcing “looted” and “smuggled” resources through Rwanda. She extended the same request to Europe and other buyers, emphasizing that the DRC is the “rightful owner” of these valuable… Read More Here