The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has submitted to the United States a shortlist of state-owned mineral assets, which has undergone several rounds of internal vetting, for evaluation by U.S. investors under the bilateral minerals partnership pact. This move represents the most tangible progress to date for the U.S. in seeking to influence the DRC's critical mineral supply chain.
According to Reuters reporting, the specific assets on this shortlist include:
Manganese, gold, and cassiterite licenses held by Kisenge.
The Mutoshi copper-cobalt project and a germanium-processing joint venture under Gécamines.
Four gold permits held by Sokimo.
Lithium licenses held by Cominière.
Coltan, gold, and wolframite assets held by Sakima.
This list represents the most direct offer yet from the Congolese government to Washington and U.S. investors, aiming to provide assets held by its state-owned companies that are not already committed under existing farm-outs or joint ventures. All processes are stated to be in compliance with Congolese law. To implement the cooperation, a "Joint Steering Committee" with representatives from both countries has been established. The DRC's high-level team on the committee includes the Deputy Prime Minister for the Economy and the ministers of foreign affairs, mines, and finance. The committee's next steps are to organize an initial meeting and begin the process of implementing the partnership and negotiating contracts.
