U.S. Secures Strategic Foothold in DRC Mineral Market to Counter Chinese Dominance

JOHANNESBURG — In a significant move to challenge Chinese control over the global rare earth minerals market, the United States has backed American firm Virtus Minerals in the development of two major cobalt and copper mining operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

This initiative marks the first major U.S. acquisition of rare earth minerals in the African nation since the announcement of the Washington Accord last December.

For years, China has dominated this sector. According to the Strategic Studies Institute, China controls 80% of the world’s cobalt production, with the majority of that supply originating in the DRC. Cobalt is a critical mineral for the U.S., essential for manufacturing electric vehicles, mobile devices, and military aircraft. Copper, also classified as a critical mineral, is vital for electronics, the automotive industry, and infrastructure.

President Donald Trump attends a signing ceremony with Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington on Dec. 4, 2025. (Evan Vucci/AP)

During the White House signing ceremony in December, the administration emphasized its commitment to curbing Chinese mineral hegemony and empowering American mining interests within the DRC. The Washington Accord also seeks to stabilize the region by addressing conflict between the DRC and Rwandan-backed forces, though M23 rebel activity persists in the eastern part of the country.

With U.S. backing, Virtus Minerals claims to be the first U.S.-owned operator to return to the DRC in over a decade. The company is investing in Chemaf, a local producer with two primary operations: Étoile in Lubumbashi and Mutoshi in Kolwezi. The combined sites are projected to produce 75,000 tonnes of copper and 20,000 tonnes of cobalt annually once processing plants come online next year.

Virtus Minerals CEO and Chamaf Chairman. Phillip Braun, the Chargé d’Affaires U.S. Embassy Kinshasa Ian J. McCary, and Chemaf Managing Director Sooryanarayanan Prabhakaran cutting the ribbon of the new mine. (Virtus Minerals / Chemaf)

The extracted minerals are slated for export to Western markets via the Lobito Corridor, an Angolan port access point. This rail route is supported by a $5 billion U.S. investment commitment, which Virtus states is designed to establish a secure and auditable supply chain for the U.S. and its allies.

Frans Cronje, president of the Washington-based Yorktown Foundation for Freedom, noted that the Virtus projects represent a serious attempt by the administration to shift the global balance of mineral power.

“This development signals a more assertive United States effort to compete with China for access to Africa’s critical mineral base,” Cronje stated, highlighting the strategic importance of cobalt and copper to global energy and defense supply chains.

The U.S. and DRC flags fly outside Chemaf’s site in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. (Virtus Minerals / Chemaf)

Cronje added that while China has maintained structural dominance in Africa’s resource sector for two decades, U.S.-backed initiatives suggest a pivot toward direct engagement. He emphasized that Africa’s geostrategic position makes it a focal point for future global economic and security competition.

A State Department spokesperson confirmed the administration’s stance, stating that President Trump and Secretary Rubio remain dedicated to supporting U.S. companies operating in the DRC.

Chemaf’s site in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. (Virtus Minerals / Chemaf)

The spokesperson described the acquisition as a “flagship U.S. investment” that signals genuine private sector interest, aligning with the U.S.-DRC Strategic Partnership Agreement. This partnership aims to position the DRC as a key player in securing global critical mineral supply chains while creating jobs and fostering local skill development to counter the influence of adversarial foreign actors.

Cobalt and Copper mined from Chemaf’s Etoile site in Lubumbashi, DRC. (Virtus Minerals / Chemaf)

Virtus currently holds a total of 56 mining licenses in the DRC. Phillip Braun, CEO of Virtus Minerals and Chairman of Chemaf, expressed that the immediate priority is bringing the Étoile and Mutoshi plants to full capacity, after which the company plans to explore its remaining permits for copper, cobalt, and tungsten.

“None of this would be possible without the strong partnership now growing between the United States and the DRC,” Braun said, noting the importance of building a trusted mineral supply while supporting further American investment in the region.

Cronje concluded that an increased U.S. presence in these supply chains would mark a significant rebalancing of geopolitical influence across the continent.

The DRC government has not yet responded to requests for comment.

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