The United States is negotiating mineral agreements with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine to enhance access to critical resources. While initial talks are underway, obstacles remain, particularly regarding Ukraine’s concerns over its interests. These agreements could strengthen economic ties and counterbalance China’s mining dominance in the DRC.
The United States is currently engaging in preliminary discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to establish an agreement concerning access to critical minerals. Similar negotiations are also ongoing with Ukraine. The Financial Times has reported on these developments.
The DRC possesses extensive reserves of copper, cobalt, and uranium. Recently, the country proposed a deal in which it would supply minerals in exchange for support for President Felix Tshisekedi’s government. This proposal arises amid ongoing turmoil, where rebel forces, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have taken control of mineral-rich regions, including the major cities of Goma and Bukavu.
As negotiations advance, several challenges remain. Presently, these discussions are considered to be at an initial stage. A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department remarked, “The DR Congo 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 official emphasized that collaboration with American businesses could bolster both the U.S. and DRC economies. While particulars of the deal are yet to be finalized, it highlights the U.S. interest in acquiring global resources. Furthermore, increased U.S. presence in the DRC would serve to mitigate China’s influence, given that Chinese firms dominate many of the country’s substantial mining operations.
In parallel, the U.S. has initially introduced a draft minerals agreement to Ukraine, presented by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on February 12. Washington sought immediate approval from Kyiv, but President Zelensky declined to sign due to concerns over the safeguarding of Ukraine’s interests, emphasizing the lack of ties to investments, profits, and security assurances.
Following a contentious encounter between Trump and Zelensky on February 28, U.S. officials persisted in their discussions with Ukraine concerning the potential deal. They encouraged Zelensky’s advisors to facilitate a public apology from the Ukrainian president to Trump. On March 4, Zelensky acknowledged that the Trump meeting did not unfold as intended and expressed his willingness to finalize an agreement on the utilization of Ukrainian minerals when appropriate, viewing this as a step toward enhanced security guarantees.
In summary, the United States is exploring mineral agreements with both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine. These discussions focus on critical resources necessary for advancing technologies and seek to strengthen economic ties. However, significant challenges persist in reaching these agreements, particularly regarding Ukraine’s concerns about its national interests. The outcomes of these negotiations could reshape geopolitical dynamics, especially in countering China’s influence in Africa.
Original Source: babel.ua
