The United States has made progress in its efforts to reduce Chinese influence over strategic minerals in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but armed conflicts, disputed licenses and compliance requirements continue to hamper progress, according to diplomats and industry officials.
The DRC, which holds the world's largest cobalt reserves and significant deposits of copper and lithium, is at the heart of the US strategy to reduce Western dependence on China for critical minerals essential for batteries and advanced technologies.
In December, Washington and Kinshasa signed a mining agreement aimed at boosting investment. Last month, Congolese authorities submitted to the United States a shortlist of 44 projects focusing on copper, cobalt, lithium, tin, gold, and hydrocarbons.
Conflicts and regulatory constraints
Despite this partnership, the security situation remains a major obstacle. In the east of the country, strategic mining areas remain affected by fighting involving M23 rebels, whom Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting.
According to a US diplomat, Washington is under pressure to act on the M23 issue in order to allow the effective implementation of the economic agreements and the US-backed peace process.
Furthermore, American companies face strict compliance requirements regarding traceability and adherence to environmental and social standards. Analysts believe that Chinese companies often operate within a more flexible regulatory framework, giving them a competitive advantage in the region.
Strategic rivalry
The competition for access to Congolese resources is part of a broader geopolitical rivalry between Washington and Beijing. China has dominated the Congolese mining sector for years, particularly in cobalt, through massive investments and partnerships with local state-owned enterprises.
While the agreement signed in December marks an important step for the United States, the political, security and administrative obstacles underline the complexity of regaining control of an economic space where China remains firmly established.
