The U.S. is negotiating mineral agreements with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine to enhance resource access and government support amid geopolitical tensions. This underscores efforts to counterbalance Chinese dominance in the mining sector.
The United States is engaged in preliminary discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to seal an agreement concerning crucial access to critical minerals. Similarly, the U.S. aims to establish a comparable arrangement with Ukraine. The DRC is abundant in copper, cobalt, and uranium resources. Last month, the DRC proposed an agreement to the U.S., suggesting a minerals-for-support exchange for President Felix Tshisekedi’s government amid the country’s current turmoil, where rebel forces, backed by Rwanda, have captured mineral-rich regions and major cities such as Goma and Bukavu.
Recent days have seen intensified discussions, but several challenges persist, indicating that negotiations remain at a nascent stage. A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department noted that “the DRC is home to a significant portion of the world’s reserves of critical minerals needed for advanced technologies. The United States is open to discussing partnerships in this sector.” The spokesperson further emphasized that collaboration with American firms could bolster the economies of both the U.S. and the DRC. Although specific terms have yet to be finalized, this initiative reflects the U.S. interest in securing global resources, as increased U.S. involvement could counterbalance the dominance of Chinese enterprises in major DRC mining operations.
Regarding Ukraine, the U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent initially proposed a draft minerals agreement to Ukraine on February 12, seeking prompt acceptance. However, President Volodymyr Zelensky postponed signing, citing concerns that the arrangement lacked provisions for investments, profits, and security assurances. Previously, former President Donald Trump had claimed that Ukraine had essentially consented to allocate half a trillion dollars worth of rare earth metals to the U.S. in exchange for military assistance. Following a contentious meeting on February 28, discussions continued, with U.S. officials encouraging Zelensky’s team to encourage a public apology to Trump.
On March 4, Zelensky referenced the meeting’s unfavorable outcome and expressed willingness to rectify it. He stated that Ukraine is prepared to sign a minerals agreement “at any time and in any convenient format,” viewing this as a vital step toward enhanced security and stable guarantees.
In summary, the United States is in initial discussions with both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine regarding agreements for critical mineral access. The DRC, rich in essential resources, seeks support for its government amidst instability, while Ukraine aims to navigate its interests in a similar minerals deal following past complexities. Both initiatives highlight U.S. ambitions to secure resources and counter Chinese influence in these regions.
Original Source: babel.ua
