Features|Mining‘We are exploited’: Congolese fear losing out as US makes minerals dealsAs delegations meet in Washington to discuss critical minerals, many in eastern DRC fear their country will gain little in the process.

Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo – In the mineral-rich eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), attention is focused on a meeting taking place in Washington, DC. On Wed, Oct 11, 2023, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial. Delegations from 50 countries, including the DRC, will discuss efforts to strengthen and diversify mineral supply chains amid global competition.

The United States has signed a mining agreement with the government of the DRC to secure supplies of critical minerals essential for technological innovation and national security. Though Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi highlights the economic benefits, local communities express concerns about potential exploitation and socio-political instability.

Residents in mineral-rich regions report experiences of land displacement and exploitation by foreign investors. Economic student Gerard Buunda from Goma criticizes the involvement of multinationals, citing issues such as low wages and environmental degradation.

The DRC is promoting its resources, including cobalt and lithium, as solutions for the energy transition. The US has shown interest in linking resource extraction with security guarantees, as evidenced by its mediation in peace deals between the DRC and neighboring countries.

Critics such as Koko Buroko Gloire, an international affairs commentator, express skepticism about the benefits of the DRC's agreement with the US. They argue that the outcome depends on the will of the Congolese leadership to ensure equitable benefits for the local population.

The Lobito Corridor railway project aims to connect the DRC's mining provinces with Angola's Atlantic Coast. However, satellite analyses indicate potential displacement of up to 6,500 people. The project is seen as a test case for equitable resource exploitation models.

Activists are concerned about transparency and governance in mining agreements. They call for fairer governance, local investment in mineral processing, and better representation in strategic resource decisions.

Despite peace deals, conflicts continue in eastern DRC, threatening the regulation of mineral extraction. Uncontrolled mining is feared to contribute to pollution and ecosystem endangerment.

President Tshisekedi emphasizes the importance of promoting strategic minerals while ensuring equitable economic benefits. However, concerns remain about transparency and the distribution of resources.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.