US and Congo Explore Minerals Deal for Military Support

The US is in preliminary talks with the DRC for a minerals deal that may provide military support in exchange for access to the country’s critical minerals, as reported by the Financial Times. The DRC is home to vast mineral resources, including cobalt, gold, and lithium, crucial for various high-tech applications.

The United States is currently engaged in preliminary discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) regarding a potential minerals agreement that would facilitate US access to the DRC’s essential minerals in exchange for military support, as reported by the Financial Times. The Congolese administration initially suggested this arrangement two weeks ago, following remarks by President Felix Tshisekedi in a New York Times interview regarding previous interest from the Trump administration in their mineral wealth.

In summary, the United States and the DRC are in the initial phases of negotiations for a minerals deal which may involve US military assistance in exchange for mining rights. This initiative aims to improve security in mineral-rich regions dominated by rebel forces and to diminish China’s influence in the DRC’s mining sector, particularly given its significant mineral reserves crucial for technological advancements.

Original Source: www.mining.com