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.
