DRC hands critical mineral assets to US in deal expected to cut China’s dominance
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has submitted a formal shortlist of state-owned mineral assets to the United States, in a minerals partnership focused on diversifying global supply chains.
This action, confirmed by senior Congolese officials in January 2026, represents a direct effort to reduce China's influence in the region’s mining sector.
The submission follows renewed U.S. initiatives to secure access to critical minerals and reduce dependence on China, which currently processes a majority share of the global supply of copper, lithium, and cobalt.
In the DRC, Chinese firms, including CMOC, Zijin, and Huayou, have previously held control over approximately 80% of the nation's mining production.
By offering access to assets not tied to existing joint ventures, the DRC government aims to encourage American investment. U.S. interest in these minerals is driven by their use in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and advanced defence technologies.
Key mineral assets listed
The assets now open for U.S. investor review span several strategic resources, including manganese, copper, cobalt, gold, lithium, and other critical minerals. Projects on the list, as reported by Reuters, include:
- Kisenge: Licences covering manganese, gold, and cassiterite.
- Gecamines: The Mutoshi copper-cobalt project and a germanium-processing initiative.
- Sokimo: Four permits for gold extraction.
- Cominiere: Lithium licences.
- Sakima: Assets involving coltan, gold, and wolframite.
Officials have stated that the listed assets have been subjected to internal screening processes and comply with Congolese legal frameworks.
Diplomatic context and peace accords
The minerals agreement is closely linked to recent diplomatic developments. It follows a peace agreement signed on December 4, 2025, between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. Referred to as the Washington Accords, the deal includes provisions for U.S. oversight of regional stability efforts in exchange for investment access.
The United States has supported these efforts through financial commitments, including funding for the $553 million Lobito Corridor upgrade. This infrastructure project is designed to facilitate the export of minerals from Central Africa to international markets.
Oversight and implementation structure
A Joint Steering Committee for American Investors has been created to manage the agreement. The Congolese side of the committee includes:
- Daniel Mukoko Samba, Deputy Prime Minister for the Economy.
- Ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs, Mines, and Finance.
- The head of ARECOMS, the Congolese mining regulatory body.
The committee is expected to initiate meetings to begin formal contract discussions with interested investors.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
