Trump Leverages Rare Minerals in DRC, Ukraine to Bolster US Interests
US President Donald Trump is pushing for access to rare minerals in conflict-hit nations, positioning them as a bargaining tool in diplomatic and economic negotiations.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Ukraine have emerged as key players in Washington’s efforts to secure critical resources needed for advanced technology and defense industries.
The DRC holds some of the world’s largest reserves of cobalt, copper, and lithium, minerals essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
However, the country has been plagued by instability, with ongoing clashes involving the M23 rebels, widely believed to be backed by Rwanda.
Washington has signaled interest in securing mineral partnerships in the country, aligning with Trump’s “America First” policy.
US officials have engaged with Congolese authorities to explore deals that would facilitate greater American access to the country’s resource wealth.
Despite China’s dominance in the DRC’s mineral sector, the US aims to establish a stronger presence, though the absence of state-owned American mining companies in the region presents hurdles.
Ukraine’s vast reserves of lithium, titanium, and other critical minerals have factored into negotiations between Washington and Kyiv as the war with Russia enters its third year.
Following Trump’s re-election, the US administration proposed a new framework tying future aid to Ukraine’s mineral wealth.
The proposal sought to grant the US a 50 percent share of revenues from Ukrainian resources, including gas and oil, until American financial support to Kyiv was recouped.
The plan, which did not include security guarantees or direct military backing, was met with resistance from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who insisted that previous aid should not be treated as a debt obligation.
Talks aimed at finalising the deal collapsed in late February following a dispute between Trump and Zelenskyy at the White House.
The fallout deepened tensions between the two allies, raising concerns over Ukraine’s ability to sustain its war effort against Russia without continued American support.
Despite the setback, Ukraine has sought to repair ties with Washington, according to President Trump.
Mr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jeddah, where discussions will focus on reviving military cooperation.
Kyiv has proposed a limited ceasefire covering long-range strikes and Black Sea operations as a goodwill gesture to encourage renewed US assistance.
Meanwhile, Washington has moved to ease a suspension of intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, a measure previously imposed to push Kyiv toward peace talks with Moscow.
gandae@businessdayafrica.org