The United States is in talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo for a minerals deal, focusing on access to critical minerals. Similar negotiations are ongoing with Ukraine, although challenges remain. The U.S. aims to strengthen economic partnerships and counter Chinese influence in mining operations in the DRC.
The United States is currently engaged in preliminary discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to finalize an agreement regarding access to critical minerals. Additionally, similar negotiations are being pursued with Ukraine. The DRC is known for its substantial reserves of copper, cobalt, and uranium, and recently proposed a deal wherein minerals would be exchanged for support for President Felix Tshisekedi’s government.
Local officials in the DRC aim to enhance backing for President Tshisekedi amidst ongoing turmoil, as rebel groups supported by neighboring Rwanda have captured significant mineral-rich regions, including the major cities of Goma and Bukavu. While discussions have intensified recently, they remain in the initial stages and face several hurdles.
A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department commented, “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.” This potential partnership is expected to bolster the economies of both the U.S. and DRC, emphasizing America’s interest in global resource access. Furthermore, this involvement would aim to lessen the dominance of China in the DRC’s mining sector.
Regarding Ukraine, a draft agreement was first presented by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in February; however, President Zelensky declined to sign it, citing concerns regarding national interests related to investments and security guarantees. Previously, President Trump claimed that Ukraine had “essentially agreed” to transfer considerable quantities of rare earth metals in return for U.S. military assistance.
Following a contentious meeting between Trump and Zelensky, U.S. officials continued engaging with Ukrainian representatives to negotiate the deal. On March 4, President Zelensky acknowledged that the meeting did not unfold as anticipated and expressed readiness to sign the minerals agreement promptly, viewing it as essential for enhancing Ukraine’s security and securing reliable guarantees.
In summary, the United States seeks to establish mineral agreements with both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine. The DRC is approached due to its rich mineral reserves and strategic geopolitical significance, while Ukraine’s involvement underscores the complexity surrounding national interests and security assurances. These developments reflect the U.S. strategy to bolster economic ties and diminish foreign influence in critical resource sectors.
Original Source: babel.ua
