The United States is actively exploring partnerships with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to access its abundant critical minerals essential for advanced technologies, including cobalt, copper, and lithium. This initiative follows a proposal by a Congolese senator suggesting a minerals-for-security agreement, aiming to bolster the U.S.’s access to these vital resources amid global competition. The U.S. State Department has expressed openness to such collaborations, emphasizing responsible and transparent development of the DRC’s mineral wealth.

In addition to bilateral discussions, the U.S. is engaging in exploratory talks with the DRC concerning a potential deal that would grant access to the country’s rich mineral reserves in exchange for support to President Félix Tshisekedi’s government, which is contending with ongoing conflicts in the eastern region. These negotiations are part of a broader U.S. strategy to counter China’s dominant position in the DRC’s mining sector and to secure a stable supply of critical minerals.