The Democratic Republic of Congo is preparing to export 100,000 metric tons of copper to the United States from mines operated by Chinese firms, marking a notable shift in global critical minerals supply chains. The planned shipment, expected before the end of January, was detailed in reporting by Africa Business Insider as part of growing economic engagement between Kinshasa and Washington.
The copper will come from the Tenke Fungurume mine in Lualaba province, one of the world’s largest copper and cobalt operations, run by China’s CMOC Group in partnership with state-owned miner Gécamines. Officials cited by Africa Business Insider said the exports align with U.S. efforts to diversify mineral supply away from dominant processing hubs while deepening trade links with resource-rich African countries.
Congolese authorities have described the shipment as a strategic step toward expanding market access for the country’s mineral output. Gécamines Director General Placide Nkala Basadilua said the deal reflects efforts to strengthen the DRC’s position in global commodities markets and ensure greater value from its natural resources, as quoted in the report.
Trade figures referenced by financial times reached about $1.3 billion in the first seven months of 2025, surpassing the combined total recorded between 2017 and 2024. The surge highlights rising U.S. demand for African copper as supply chains are reshaped to support energy transition and industrial manufacturing.
