The Trump administration has signed a major rare-earth minerals deal in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to reports. U.S. company Virtus Minerals says it holds 56 mining licenses in the country, primarily for cobalt and copper, aiming to build a secure supply chain for the U.S. and its allies, challenging years of Chinese dominance in the sector.
The Trump administration has signed a major rare-earth minerals agreement in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to reports circulating Thursday. The deal centers on U.S.-based Virtus Minerals, which says it now holds 56 mining licenses in the country, focused primarily on cobalt and copper — key components in electronics, electric vehicles, and defense technologies.
Virtus Minerals states that its goal is to build a secure and stable supply chain for the United States and its allies, challenging what it describes as years of Chinese control over rare-earth minerals. The move marks a significant push by Washington to reduce dependence on Beijing for strategic mineral resources. As The Zioneer reported last week, China recently imposed new export curbs on 10 U.S. defense firms and targeted rare-earth miners, a response to Pentagon designations of major Chinese companies as military affiliates.
The scope of the deal — including financial terms, duration, and any U.S. government guarantees — has not yet been disclosed. The DRC holds vast reserves of cobalt and copper, making it a critical battleground in the global competition for rare-earth supply chains.
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