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.
