U.S. Secures Access to World's Largest Tantalum Deposit in DR Congo

Mineral deal aims to reshape war, global tech supply chains

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The United States has forged a strategic partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to gain access to the world's largest tantalum deposit. Tantalum is a critical component in smartphones, semiconductors, electric vehicles, and military electronics. This collaboration aims to reduce Western dependence on China's dominance in critical mineral processing and address conflict stemming from informal mineral extraction in the DRC.

Why it matters

The U.S.-Congo mineral partnership has the potential to reshape the tech industry and the geopolitical landscape of Africa's resource-rich heartland as global demand for critical minerals continues to accelerate. It also presents an opportunity for the DRC to attract investment, modernize its mining infrastructure, and reduce conflict related to mineral extraction.

The details

In a February 5th meeting in Washington, DRC and U.S. officials shortlisted the Rubaya mining area as key to advancing their December agreement. This move signifies a broader U.S. engagement with Congo, extending beyond simply securing mineral supplies to include investment support and supply chain development. The goal is to lessen Western dependence on China, currently the primary processor of these essential minerals.

  • On February 5, 2026, DRC and U.S. officials met in Washington to discuss the strategic partnership.
  • In December 2025, the DRC and U.S. reached an agreement to collaborate on critical mineral access and supply chain development.

The players

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

A resource-rich country in Central Africa that holds the world's largest reserves of cobalt and significant deposits of tantalum, lithium, and copper.

United States (U.S.)

A global superpower seeking to reduce its dependence on China for the processing of critical minerals and secure a stable supply chain.

Rubaya mining area

A key mining region in the DRC that is under the control of rebel groups, facilitating organized smuggling networks into neighboring Rwanda.

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What’s next

The U.S. and DRC are encouraging peace talks between the DRC and Rwanda to address the conflict and organized smuggling networks in the Rubaya mining area. The goal is to unlock billions in mining investment and promote sustainable mining practices.

The takeaway

This strategic partnership between the U.S. and DRC highlights the growing global importance of critical minerals, such as tantalum, and the need for ethical and secure supply chains. It also demonstrates how economic interests and geopolitical positioning are increasingly intertwined, with the potential to reshape the tech industry and the balance of power in Africa's resource-rich regions.