KINSHASA — The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially submitted a list of strategic mining projects to the United States in a move to deepen bilateral economic cooperation and attract American investment in critical mineral supply chains, according to the report by Mines.cd

The announcement was made by DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 13 to 15, 2026.

According to the Minister, the submitted list is expected to serve as a working foundation for upcoming economic and commercial discussions between Kinshasa and Washington. He clarified that this initiative does not involve the transfer of mining assets or preferential treatment, but is rather a platform for collaboration rooted in transparency and mutual strategic interests.

Critical Minerals at the Center of Global Rivalries

The DRC is home to vast reserves of copper, cobalt, lithium, and tantalum, resources that are increasingly in demand for clean energy technologies, defense systems, and digital infrastructure.

According to the Ministry, Kinshasa intends to position the country as a reliable partner in the global energy transition while diversifying its international mining partnerships. The move comes as the United States looks to reduce its dependence on Chinese-controlled mineral supply chains, many of which begin in Congolese soil.

Chinese Influence Under Review

In recent decades, Chinese companies have gained significant control over major mining operations in the DRC, including flagship projects like Tenke Fungurume Mining. These partnerships, often tied to infrastructure-for-minerals agreements, have contributed to sector growth but also raised concerns over transparency, value-for-money, and long-term sovereignty.

By engaging the United States more directly, Congolese authorities say they aim to create greater competition in the mining sector and reinforce national governance over strategic resources.

Mining and Diplomacy Intersect