In a deal echoing far beyond the copper pits of central Africa, Glencore's Congo Mines Stake Sale is poised to redraw the geopolitical lines around critical minerals.

A consortium of investors has reached an agreement with Glencore PLC to acquire a 40% stake in two of the mining giant’s Democratic Republic of Congo operations for approximately $3.6 billion. The transaction values the combined assets at $9 billion and aims to secure essential materials for the United States and its allies.

A Strategic Bet on Copper and Cobalt

The assets at the center of the deal include the Mutanda Mining open-pit copper and cobalt mine and Kamoto Copper Co. Together, they represent some of the most strategically important reserves in the global supply chain.

Orion Critical Mineral Consortium, backed by the U.S. government, will take the 40% interest. The move is widely seen as an effort to counter China’s near-total dominance in critical minerals vital to green technology and advanced manufacturing.

Christopher Landau, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, said the proposed transaction “reflects the core objectives of the U.S.-DRC Strategic Partnership Agreement by encouraging greater U.S. investment in the DRC’s mining sector and promoting secure, reliable, and mutually beneficial flows of critical minerals between our two countries.”

He added that Washington looks forward to working closely with Congo’s government to finalize the deal in a way that benefits both nations and sets a precedent for future U.S. investments.

The Minerals-for-Security Framework

The sale follows the signing of the U.S.-DRC Strategic Partnership Agreement on Dec. 4 in Washington, D.C. The agreement formalizes a “minerals-for-security” arrangement designed to guarantee U.S. access to key resources while offering Congo security assurances and infrastructure development.

Under the framework, American companies receive a “right of first offer” for exploration and development of critical minerals and gold, along with priority access to certain other materials destined directly for U.S. markets.

Orion CMC was formed in October by private equity firm Orion Resource Partners LP in partnership with the U.S. government. The consortium includes the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, established in 2019 to mobilize private capital in support of U.S. foreign policy and economic stability in developing nations.

Congo’s Pivotal Role

Congo stands as the world’s largest cobalt producer and one of the top copper suppliers — metals that power electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and next-generation defense technology.

The agreement grants Orion CMC the right to appoint non-executive directors to oversee the sale of the relevant share of production to designated buyers, consistent with the bilateral accord.

Glencore, listed on London’s FTSE 100 index, will continue to manage Mutanda Mining (Mumi) and Kamoto Copper Co. (KCC) as part of its global portfolio. Both parties also signaled plans to explore opportunities to expand and develop the two operations and potentially acquire additional critical mineral assets across the DRC and the broader African copper belt.

Glencore CEO Gary Nagle said he welcomed recognition from the U.S. government and Orion CMC of the company’s position as the only major Western producer of copper and cobalt in the DRC.

“Through this partnership, we would be able to support the ambitions of the U.S. government and private sector with the supply of two critical minerals,” Nagle said.

Broader Supply Chain Pressures

The transaction comes amid mounting concerns about China’s dominance in rare earth elements. Beijing controls more than 90% of global rare earth mining and refining, leaving the U.S. and other nations dependent on Chinese supply.

In response to tariffs imposed earlier in 2025 by President Donald Trump, China introduced special export licenses for key rare earths and permanent magnets, slowing shipments and fueling supply anxieties.

British mining firm Pensana PLC recently raised $103 million — including $100 million from an undisclosed investor — to develop Angola’s Longonjo rare earths mine. The goal: establish a self-sufficient supply chain for critical magnetic materials in the U.S. and reduce reliance on China.

Rare earths underpin green technologies such as electric vehicles and wind turbines, as well as advanced electronics and military systems including drones, missiles and stealth aircraft.

Counsel information for Glencore's Congo Mines Stake Sale was not immediately available.