The Democratic Republic of Congo plans to export copper to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates through a new commercial venture backed by United States interests, aiming to diversify global supply chains for critical metals.
State owned miner Gecamines will deliver 50,000 tons of copper cathode under the arrangement with Swiss commodity trader Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. The U.S. International Development Finance Corp. (DFC), a government linked financing institution, said it is in negotiations to provide support for the venture.
The joint venture already agreed in late January to ship 100,000 tons of copper to the United States, underscoring Washington’s strategy to reduce reliance on China for key industrial metals. A senior DFC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the initiative is intended to ensure a broader and more reliable supply of critical materials for the U.S. and allied markets.
Gecamines and Mercuria did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A DFC statement quoted CEO Ben Black saying stronger cooperation between the U.S. and the Congo would direct valuable minerals toward Western markets and support economic partners in Africa.
The export plan comes amid heightened volatility in metals markets and growing competition for resources used in technology, energy transition and defence sectors. Chinese companies currently dominate much of the processing of Congolese copper and cobalt, key inputs for electric vehicles, batteries and other advanced industrial uses.
