DRC Submits List of Minerals for U.S. Investment Under Strategic Partnership

Kinshasa, DRC - January 21, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sent a list of minerals to the United States, detailing those it is authorized to mine and process under the December 2025 peace and economic cooperation agreement involving Rwanda and supported by Washington. Two DRC officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the list was sent to Washington, D.C., last week. The agreement includes the establishment of a joint DRC-U.S. committee tasked with overseeing the mineral exploration and investment process. Congolese members include representatives from the economy, foreign affairs, and finance ministries, along with the head of the mining regulator, ARECOMS. A DRC official explained that the list, which includes manganese, gold, lithium, copper, and cobalt, was prepared after an in-depth analysis of the country’s strategic resources and the U.S. demand for these minerals, especially for electric vehicle batteries and electronic devices. The list designates specific mining sites where U.S. investors can operate, including Kisenge and Mutoshi mines in Lualaba Province, Moto in Haut-Uélé, Kilo in Ituri, as well as locations in the two Kivus and Maniema. Following the submission, the United States is expected to review the list, after which the joint committee will begin discussions to plan the implementation of the agreement.