United States Pursues Mineral Agreements with Congo and Ukraine

The United States is in discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine to negotiate agreements regarding access to critical minerals, addressing both resource needs and political support amidst instability.

The United States government is engaging in preliminary discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to establish an agreement on accessing critical minerals. Additionally, similar negotiations are underway with Ukraine. The DRC, endowed with extensive reserves of copper, cobalt, and uranium, has presented a proposal to the United States, offering minerals in exchange for political support for President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration.

The current situation in the DRC is precarious, as rebel forces supported by Rwanda have overtaken significant mineral-rich territories, including the major cities of Goma and Bukavu. Although the discussions have intensified, significant challenges persist, placing the negotiations at a nascent stage. A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department remarked, “The DR Congo is home to a significant portion of the world’s reserves of critical minerals needed for advanced technologies. The United States is open to discussing partnerships in this sector,” indicating the potential economic benefits for both nations.

Moreover, a partnership with American enterprises could bolster the economies of both the United States and the DRC, further emphasizing the U.S. commitment to secure resources globally. Heightened U.S. activity in the DRC aims to counteract China’s dominance, as Chinese companies currently oversee a substantial share of the nation’s mining sector.

In relation to Ukraine, a draft minerals agreement was originally proposed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on February 12, 2023, which Ukraine was urged to sign promptly. However, President Zelensky opted against signing due to concerns over insufficient protective measures regarding investments and security guarantees. Previous discussions also indicated that former U.S. President Donald Trump had claimed Ukraine’s agreement to transfer substantial value in rare earth metals to the U.S. as compensation for military aid.

Following discord between Trump and Zelensky in late February, U.S. officials continued to engage in negotiations with Ukraine, encouraging Zelensky to reconsider in light of necessary public reconciliations. On March 4, Zelensky expressed willingness to finalize an agreement on Ukrainian minerals, asserting readiness to proceed at any moment, as this would enhance national security and security guarantees.

In summary, the United States is exploring mineral agreements with both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine, aiming to enhance access to essential resources while supporting political stability. The DRC’s negotiation reflects a strategy to counteract Chinese mining influence, while ongoing dialogue with Ukraine emphasizes the need for security guarantees. These developments indicate the U.S. commitment to securing critical minerals for advanced technologies while fostering international partnerships.

Original Source: babel.ua