United States (US) companies are showing “significant” interest in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) mining assets, including the rebel held Rubaya area, a State Department official said, adding that investments in that area will have to align with Washington led peace efforts.
Earlier this year, DRC sent Washington a shortlist of strategic assets, including manganese, copper-cobalt, gold and lithium projects, for US investors to consider as part of a mineral’s partnership.
The US hopes through the minerals partnership to convert peace and investment deals with DRC into influence over the country’s critical-minerals supply chain.
The US has stepped up efforts to secure critical mineral supplies globally for a strategic metals stockpile as it seeks to reduce reliance on China and counter China’s dominance in Africa.
The US is in the process of soliciting private sector feedback on the list of assets, the official told Reuters on Friday.
“We have significant interest, yes,” the official said, but declined to name the companies, saying “the conversations are still forming.”
DRC’s government and M23 officials did not immediately respond to Reuters questions on US firms’ interest in the mining assets.
–Reuters–
