US firms eye Congo’s Rubaya mine
Quidah is an online platform that connects investors with curated opportunities and expert insights on Africa’s emerging markets, while offering businesses promotional services, partnership facilitation, and market intelligence to attract capital and grow their operations.
Industries
U.S. companies are showing significant interest in Democratic Republic of Congo mining assets, including the rebel-held Rubaya area, a State Department official said on Friday, adding that any investment there will have to align with Washington-led peace efforts. Congo earlier this year sent Washington a shortlist of strategic assets, including manganese, copper-cobalt, gold and lithium projects, for U.S. investors to consider under a minerals partnership.
The U.S. is trying to use that partnership to turn peace and investment agreements into greater influence over Congo’s critical-minerals supply chain. It is also stepping up efforts to secure supplies for a strategic metals stockpile as it works to reduce reliance on China and counter Beijing’s dominance in Africa.
Rubaya is a key part of that strategy because the coltan mine is one of the world’s richest tantalum deposits. The site is held by Rwandan-backed AFC/M23 rebels, and the official said investment there cannot be separated from the conflict in eastern Congo, where fighting has killed thousands and remains central to the broader peace process.
The official said U.S. companies have expressed real interest, although the conversations are still at an early stage and no names were given. Congo’s government and M23 did not immediately respond, but the U.S. side said the commercial side must move in parallel with the peace deal.
The broader minerals partnership is already starting to take shape. U.S. firm Virtus Minerals is working to restart Congolese cobalt and copper producer Chemaf’s mines, which the State Department described as a foundational project meant to build confidence in the business environment for U.S.-aligned investors.
