The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is working toward finalizing a significant minerals agreement with the United States by the end of June, according to senior officials cited by the Financial Times. The proposed deal would encourage U.S. investment in Congo’s rich deposits of critical minerals and gain American diplomatic support in ending a Rwandan-backed rebellion in the country’s eastern provinces. As reported by the Financial Times, this initiative is part of Washington’s broader push to re-establish its influence in Congo’s mining industry, which has for years been heavily dominated by China.

Congo is one of the world’s most resource-rich nations, holding abundant reserves of cobalt, copper, coltan, and other essential minerals critical to clean energy technologies and global manufacturing. Over the past two decades, China has entrenched itself deeply in every aspect of Congo’s mining ecosystem, from small-scale artisanal traders to major corporations like China Molybdenum Company (CMOC). In 2008, China strengthened its hold through a multibillion-dollar minerals-for-infrastructure agreement with the Congolese government, allowing Beijing significant access to the country’s natural wealth.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Congo’s mining minister, Kizito Pakabomba, emphasized that a partnership with the U.S. would help “diversify our partnerships” and reduce the country’s dependence on China. Beyond investment, the deal could foster regional cooperation in mineral processing and exports, potentially including Rwanda—though the relationship between the two neighbors remains fraught with tension.

Rwanda has long faced international criticism for allegedly exploiting instability along its border with the DRC to profit from the illicit extraction of Congolese minerals such as coltan, which is vital for mobile phone production, and gold. Although the Rwandan government, led by President Paul Kagame, has repeatedly denied any ties to the M23 rebel group, it claims that its military actions in eastern Congo are purely defensive.

According to sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations, cited by the Financial Times, Rwanda sees the U.S.-Congo discussions as an opportunity to legitimize its own involvement in regional mineral trade and to attract American investment to its emerging metals processing sector. However, Congolese authorities insist that any forward movement must begin with the restoration of state control over strategic areas currently held by rebel forces, including the key cities of Goma and Bukavu.

The evolving situation underscores growing global competition for access to Congo’s valuable resources, with the U.S. seeking to counterbalance China’s dominance through renewed diplomatic and economic engagement.