The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is significantly ramping up copper exports to the United States, marking a major shift in global critical minerals trade as demand for energy transition metals accelerates.
According to recent reports, the Central African nation plans to increase copper sales to the US to 500,000 tonnes annually—five times higher than the initial commitment announced earlier this year.
This expansion is being driven by state-owned miner Gécamines through a marketing joint venture with Mercuria Energy Group, supported by the US International Development Finance Corporation.
The deal will draw on copper produced from Gécamines’ minority stakes in major mining operations, including the Kamoto Copper Company and the Tenke Fungurume mine—two of the country’s most significant copper and cobalt assets.
Analysts say the strategy reflects Kinshasa’s push to convert passive shareholdings into direct revenue streams while strengthening its control over mineral marketing.
In parallel, the DRC has also signed a broader agreement targeting 500,000 tonnes of annual copper exports to the US, with initial shipments of about 100,000 tonnes expected from early 2026.
The agreement highlights growing economic ties between the two countries as Washington seeks to secure reliable supplies of critical minerals for industries such as electric vehicles, renewable energy and data infrastructure.
The move comes as the DRC consolidates its position as a global mining powerhouse. The country’s copper production reached around 3.5 million tonnes in 2025, making it the world’s second-largest supplier after Chile.
Rising output has been driven by strong global demand and high prices linked to the rapid expansion of green technologies.
Beyond boosting exports, the Congolese government is also taking steps to tighten control over strategic resources. Authorities have established a state-managed reserve for key minerals such as cobalt and germanium, enabling the government to influence supply and stabilise prices in global markets.
The increased engagement with the US also reflects a broader geopolitical shift. For years, Chinese firms have dominated the DRC’s mining sector, controlling a large share of copper and cobalt production.
By strengthening ties with American partners, Kinshasa aims to diversify investment sources and reduce reliance on Beijing while enhancing its bargaining power.
However, experts caution that building an independent trading capability will require substantial investment in financing, insurance and risk management systems.
Despite these challenges, the expansion of US-bound copper exports signals the DRC’s growing ambition to play a more assertive role in global mineral supply chains.
As competition intensifies over access to critical resources, the DRC’s latest deal positions it at the centre of an evolving geopolitical and economic landscape shaping the future of energy and technology.
