JOHANNESBURG — Trump administration moves to challenge China's grip on rare earths,backing Virtus Minerals,an American company, to launch two mines in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). First U.S. action in DRC since Washington Accord signed last December.
China dominates cobalt,copper. Strategic Studies Institute notes 80% of world's cobalt comes from DRC,with most under Chinese control. Cobalt essential for electric vehicles; copper, key for plumbing,cars. Both crucial for U.S .
At Accord signing,Trump stressed cutting China's mineral influence,boosting U.S. mining in Africa. Called it "a great day for Africa, great day for world." Accord also tackles DRC's conflicts,with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels causing issues in east.
U.S . backing makes Virtus Minerals first American operator in DRC in over 10 years. Investing in Chemaf,a local producer with mines: Étoile in Lubumbashi,Mutoshi in Kolwezi. Expected output: 75,000 tonnes copper,20,000 tonnes cobalt annually . Processing starts next year.
Minerals will travel via Lobito Corridor,a rail line in Angola with $5 billion U.S. investment. Secures copper,cobalt supply chain for U.S.,allies.
Frans Cronje, president of Yorktown Foundation for Freedom, said Virtus projects signify change in U.S. approach to Africa's minerals. U.S. more assertive now,competing with China for DRC's critical resources . Africa's minerals — pivotal in future global economic,security race.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed support for U.S. companies in DRC. Virtus move seen as flagship investment,showing real U.S. private sector interest,expected to trigger more investments under U.S.-DRC Strategic Partnership Agreement.
More U.S . investment means quality jobs for American,Congolese workers,skills development,helping local communities long exploited in DRC's mineral sector.
Virtus holds 56 mining licenses in DRC. Phillip Braun,CEO of Virtus Minerals,Chemaf chairman, is optimistic on boosting production at Étoile,Mutoshi. Initial aim: maximize output,then explore Chemaf's full mining potential,including copper,cobalt,tungsten.
Braun acknowledged U.S.-DRC partnership's role in these developments. Committed to reliable supply of essential minerals, supporting other American firms eyeing DRC investments.
As U.S. strengthens its role in Africa's mineral supply chains,experts say this could alter power dynamics on continent,especially as re…
