U.S. Considers Rare Earth Elements Deal with DRC for Military Support

The U.S. is in talks with the DRC to secure rare earth elements in exchange for military aid. Discussions are at an early stage with several obstacles. The DRC is calling on the U.S. to source minerals directly from them, highlighting their substantial untapped resources. Recent negotiations with Ukraine for a resource deal fell through amid tensions between U.S. and Ukrainian leaders.

The United States is in preliminary discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) concerning a potential agreement focused on rare earth elements. This move is part of the Trump administration’s broader initiative to secure essential resources internationally, particularly following unsuccessful negotiations with Ukraine. The reported deal entails the U.S. obtaining critical minerals in exchange for military assistance to the DRC.

According to the Financial Times, discussions between Washington and Kinshasa have intensified, albeit with significant challenges yet to be addressed. Unnamed sources indicated that the negotiations remain at an early stage. Additionally, a United Nations report highlights that Rwandan-backed rebels have seized substantial areas in eastern DRC, taking control of the region’s rich mineral resources.

The DRC is encouraging the U.S. to directly source strategic raw materials from them instead of Rwanda. Tina Salama, a spokesperson for President Félix Tshisekedi, noted the DRC’s rightful claim over these resources. The eastern region of the DRC is believed to contain vast untapped mineral wealth, including cobalt, lithium, tantalum, and uranium.

Senator Pierre Kanda Kalambayi has reached out to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging closer collaboration with the DRC. In his letter, he expressed that the United States is ideally situated to build a long-term partnership with the DRC, home to over $24 trillion in untapped mineral reserves. He also emphasized that in return for these minerals, the U.S. should enhance military cooperation with DRC forces, including training and supplying arms.

Recently, an anticipated agreement regarding Ukraine’s natural resource revenues to the U.S. collapsed unexpectedly during a tense Oval Office meeting. President Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for perceived ingratitude toward U.S. aid, pressuring him into a peace settlement with Russia, ultimately leading to the failure of the U.S.-Ukraine deal.

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The United States is exploring a significant agreement with the DRC focused on rare earth elements, reflecting its strategy to secure vital resources overseas. Discussions are ongoing but encounter challenges, particularly concerning regional stability amid rebel control of mineral-rich lands. Enhanced military cooperation between the U.S. and the DRC could arise as part of this partnership. Recent failed negotiations with Ukraine further illustrate the complexities of U.S. resource acquisition strategies.

Original Source: www.presstv.ir