Congo Proposes Mineral Access to US and Europe in Exchange for Peace

President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC has proposed offering the US and Europe access to the country’s mineral resources in exchange for intervention to end ongoing conflicts. This follows accusations against Rwanda for looting Congolese minerals. A minerals deal could enhance security in the DRC, although concerns regarding ethical mining practices persist.

In a significant diplomatic initiative, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has proposed that the United States and Europe be granted access to the nation’s extensive mineral resources. This offer is contingent on foreign intervention to resolve the ongoing conflict that has beleaguered the country. Presidential Spokesperson Tina Salama urged the US to purchase critical minerals directly from Kinshasa rather than acquiring looted resources through Rwanda, reiterating the DRC’s rights to these commodities.

In an interview with The New York Times, President Tshisekedi suggested that a potential minerals deal could enhance security and stability within the DRC. He noted that the previous Trump administration had shown interest in establishing a direct supply of essential minerals from Congo. This proposition follows recent US sanctions against a Rwandan military official linked to rebel groups operating in the DRC, which have notably threatened the capital.

Currently, China holds a more significant share of access to Congo’s mineral wealth compared to the U.S. The European Union has engaged in negotiations with Rwanda, recently pledging approximately $935 million to facilitate mineral exchanges involving tin, tungsten, and gold. However, recent meetings among EU foreign ministers did not yield a unified approach toward imposing sanctions on Rwanda, which has been accused of involvement in the DRC’s conflicts.

The DRC and numerous United Nations reports have accused Rwanda of exploiting the turmoil for mineral extraction, particularly targeting valuable resources like gold, copper, cobalt, and coltan. The M23 rebel group has taken control of key mining areas, with reports indicating that substantial amounts of coltan are illegally smuggled into Rwanda monthly. Despite these allegations, Rwanda has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding mineral exploitation.

The DRC stands as the largest cobalt producer globally, with a reported 220,000 metric tons mined last year. Approximately 70% of the world’s tantalum is sourced from the DRC and Rwanda. This region is also rich in tin and tungsten deposits and has significant coltan reserves. However, mining practices are linked to severe environmental damage, human rights violations, and widespread use of child labor, raising ethical sourcing concerns.

In summary, President Tshisekedi’s proposal to exchange access to Congo’s mineral resources for foreign assistance in ending the conflict highlights the DRC’s potential as a key player in the global mineral market. The ongoing issues related to mineral smuggling and exploitation by external actors, particularly Rwanda, must be addressed to achieve stability. The DRC remains crucial for global supply chains, notably in cobalt and tantalum, while the ethics of mining practices continue to raise significant concerns.

Original Source: www.mining.com