China's state-owned railway firm plans a major copper mine in Congo's Kasai-Oriental province, potentially producing 200,000-500,000 tonnes annually, reflecting intensifying competition for critical minerals amid global electrification demands.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's mining minister denied the country sold its mineral wealth to the United States under a December agreement, asserting Kinshasa retained control while positioning itself to compete globally for critical resources including cobalt, copper, coltan and lithium.
The Trump administration facilitated a minerals partnership between Congo and Rwanda to secure cobalt for global supply chains, prompting Congo to establish a $100 million paramilitary mining unit by 2028, raising concerns about sovereignty and whether it protects Congolese communities or foreign commercial interests.
The U.S. secured a 40% stake in Congo's copper-cobalt project, but China dominates African mineral refining and exports, while Japan and others struggle against political instability barriers.