Africa-Press. The Democratic Republic of Congo said it would seek other partners if the minerals cooperation framework agreed with the United States does not translate into tangible projects, stressing that the signed agreement remains at a preliminary stage.
Congolese Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba said on the sidelines of the Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town, South Africa, that what was agreed with Washington is “a framework for discussions on issues of mutual interest.” He added, “It could become a major project, or it might not. We have many partners we can engage with.”
Last December, the DRC signed a framework agreement with the United States to develop a supply chain for critical minerals used in data centers, defense, and electric vehicles, in a move aimed at diversifying global supply and countering China’s dominance in the sector.
The minister stressed that the agreement does not imply giving away resources for free: “We have not sold anything, and we will not sell anything for free.”
He noted that less than 10% of the country’s mineral wealth is currently exploited, despite the DRC holding some of the world’s largest reserves of cobalt, copper, and lithium. “We must play our own game. Our priorities are feeding our people and investing in the human capital of our youth,” he said.
The DRC hosts major mining companies including Glencore and Ivanhoe Mines, alongside Chinese firms such as CMOC Group and Zijin Mining.
