U.S. Company Advances Mining Presence in the DRC with Support from Trump Administration
JOHANNESBURG — In a significant development for U.S. interests in the mineral market, the Trump administration is backing American company Virtus Minerals in establishing two major mines for cobalt and copper in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This marks the first U.S. investment in rare earth minerals in the DRC since the Washington Accord was introduced last December.
Traditionally, China has dominated this sector, producing about 80% of the world’s cobalt, with a significant portion coming from the DRC. Cobalt is essential for various technologies, including electric vehicles and smartphones, and is part of the U.S. government’s critical minerals list. Copper, also on this list, is widely used in plumbing and electronics.
During the signing ceremony at the White House, President Trump emphasized the administration’s aim to reduce China’s control over mineral resources and support U.S. mining companies in Africa. He described the initiative as a “great day for Africa and the world.” The accord also includes efforts to stabilize the region and put an end to conflicts involving Rwandan-backed forces.
Virtus Minerals is claiming the title of the “first U.S.-owned operator” in the DRC in over ten years, following its investment in Chemaf, a local player with two operational mines. These mines, located in Lubumbashi and Kolwezi, are expected to produce around 75,000 tonnes of copper and 20,000 tonnes of cobalt annually, with processing plants set to open next year.
The mined minerals will be exported via the Lobito Corridor to a port in Angola, backed by a U.S. investment of $5 billion to ensure a secure supply chain for copper and cobalt.
Experts view these developments as a shift in the balance of mineral resources away from China. Frans Cronje, president of the Yorktown Foundation, noted that U.S. efforts are becoming more assertive in competing for access to Africa’s critical minerals, especially in the DRC, which is vital for global energy and defense needs.
Cronje believes the U.S. has an opportunity to counter China’s longstanding dominance in Africa’s resource sector, which has crucial implications for global security and economic competition.
In comments to the press, a State Department spokesperson confirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting U.S. business ventures in the DRC, highlighting the potential for job creation and community development for Congolese and American workers alike.
Virtus Minerals currently holds 56 mining licenses in the DRC. CEO Phillip Braun expressed optimism about ramping up production at the Étoile and Mutoshi plants and exploring additional resources across their mining permits. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the U.S. and DRC in establishing a reliable supply of essential minerals.
Analysts suggest that increased U.S. involvement in African supply chains could lead to a significant shift in geopolitical alignments across the continent.
