Congo will seek other partners if US minerals framework does not lead to projects

The Democratic Republic of Congo said it will look for other partners if its December framework with the United States does not produce concrete mining projects, and officials described the arrangement as preliminary aimed at building a supply chain for critical minerals.

The Democratic Republic of Congo's mines minister said the country will seek other partners if its cooperation framework with the United States does not lead to concrete projects. The remark came on the sidelines of the Indaba mining conference in Cape Town. The framework, signed in December, aims to develop a supply chain for critical minerals used in data centres, defence and electric vehicles. Officials described the arrangement as preliminary. Key details: - Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba said the U.S. agreement is a framework for discussion and remains preliminary. - He said the DRC will look for other partners if the framework does not result in concrete projects. - The minister said Congo hosts large reserves of cobalt, copper and lithium but that its mineral endowment is exploited at less than 10% today. - The article mentions major Western-listed and Chinese mining companies operating in the DRC, including Glencore, Ivanhoe Mines, CMOC Group and Zijin Mining. Summary: The minister's remarks underline that the U.S.-DRC framework is exploratory and that Kinshasa will pursue other partnerships if concrete projects do not follow. The stance reflects Congo's emphasis on managing its own interests and developing its mineral sector. Undetermined at this time.