The US-DRC Strategic Partnership Agreement signed December 2025 gives American companies right of first offer on 44 mining projects spanning copper, cobalt, lithium, and more.
The United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo signed a landmark Strategic Partnership Agreement on December 4, 2025, known as the Washington Accords. This agreement fundamentally reshapes the investment landscape in the DRC's mining sector.
Key provisions of the agreement include:
A Strategic Asset Reserve mechanism giving US companies "right of first offer" on new mining projects. The DRC presented a shortlist of 44 projects spanning copper, cobalt, lithium, tin, gold, and hydrocarbons.
Ambitious export targets through the Lobito Corridor: 50% of copper, 90% of zinc, and 30% of cobalt within five years.
The agreement comes alongside the $9 billion Orion/Glencore deal, which would give US-backed interests 40% of Mutanda Mining and Kamoto Copper Company - two of the world's largest cobalt and copper operations.
The Lobito Corridor, a $4 billion US commitment ($6 billion total), will connect DRC's mineral-rich provinces to Atlantic ports, dramatically reducing export costs and transit times.
For investors, the Washington Accords create unprecedented access to one of the world's most mineral-rich countries. The agreement signals a major US strategic pivot toward securing critical mineral supply chains, with the DRC at the center.
However, challenges remain. The $9B Orion/Glencore deal is currently stalled over Dan Gertler sanctions, and there are ongoing constitutional challenges to the SPA in DRC courts.
