US is negotiating minerals deals with conflict-hit DR Congo, Trump official says

A Trump administration official said on Thursday the United States is in talks with conflict-plagued DR Congo on developing its mineral resources under a deal that the Congolese president has said could help make his country safer.

US President Donald Trump’s

senior adviser for Africa, Massad Boulos, did not provide details of the potential deal following talks with Democratic Republic of Congo’s

President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa, but he said it could involve “multibillion-dollar investments”.

“You have heard about a minerals agreement. We have reviewed” Congo’s proposal, Boulos said. “I am pleased to announce that the president and I have agreed on a path forward for its development.”

American companies would be “operating transparently” and would “stimulate local economies”, Boulos said.

Congo is the world’s largest producer of cobalt, a mineral used to make lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and smartphones. It also has substantial gold, diamond and copper reserves.

Tshisekedi said last month that he was open to a deal on developing critical minerals with the United States

if the American involvement could help quell insurgencies and boost security in the African country.

“I think that the US is able to use either pressure or sanctions to make sure that armed groups … can be kept at bay,” he said on US television broadcaster Fox.