US-backed group seeks major stake in DR Congo mining sector following a high-profile agreement between Glencore and the Orion Critical Mineral Consortium, a US government-supported investment initiative targeting strategic minerals essential to global manufacturing, renewable energy, and defense supply chains.
Glencore announced it has entered into a non-binding agreement to sell a 40 percent stake in its Mutanda Mining (Mumi) and Kamoto Copper Company (KCC) assets in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the Orion consortium. The combined enterprise value of the two projects is estimated at around $9 billion, while Glencore will retain operational control of both mines.
The move highlights the growing importance of DR Congo’s copper and cobalt resources, which are critical to the United States’ efforts to secure strategic minerals for advanced manufacturing, electric vehicles, and renewable energy technology. Analysts say the deal also positions Washington to compete with China, which has long dominated Africa’s critical minerals market.
Glencore CEO Gary Nagle emphasized that the agreement aligns with the ambitions of the US government and private sector to ensure a stable supply of essential minerals. “This partnership allows us to support initiatives that are crucial for energy transition and technological development worldwide,” Nagle said.
The Orion Critical Mineral Consortium was established in October 2025, led by Orion Resource Partners in partnership with the US International Development Finance Corporation. Its formation followed a US-mediated peace accord between Rwanda and the DR Congo, aimed at ending decades of conflict in eastern Congo and fostering regional economic cooperation. The peace framework also encouraged foreign investment in Congo’s mineral-rich regions, particularly cobalt, copper, and coltan.
Experts note that the transaction signals the growing influence of US-backed investments in Africa’s mining sector. “The US-backed group seeks major stake in DR Congo mining sector not only to secure supply chains but also to promote sustainable governance and transparency in resource management,” said Peter Mwangi, a Nairobi-based economic analyst.
The proposed partnership could strengthen economic ties between the United States and the DR Congo, improve oversight of critical mineral operations, and provide support for economic growth and regional stability. With global demand for copper and cobalt expected to rise sharply, securing reliable sources of these minerals is now considered a national priority for the US and its allies.
Glencore has faced challenges in the DR Congo, including environmental concerns around Kolwezi and legal penalties, such as a $900 million tax settlement and previous bribery charges in the United States. Bringing in a US-backed partner could reduce risk while allowing Glencore to maintain operational influence over two of its most important African assets.
The US-backed group seeks major stake in DR Congo mining sector as part of a broader strategy to diversify supply chains and reduce dependency on single-country sources. Analysts believe the deal could encourage other Western-backed investments, strengthening the DR Congo’s role in the global economy while ensuring that critical minerals reach international markets responsibly.
If finalized, the agreement will be one of the largest US-linked investments in the DR Congo in recent years, highlighting the increasing intersection of geopolitics, economics, and resource security. Observers say the US-backed group seeks major stake in DR Congo mining sector to secure long-term access to strategic resources, mitigate geopolitical risk, and support economic development initiatives across the region.
