Glencore Congo Mines
A new mining deal in the Democratic Republic of Congo is giving the United States more than just access to minerals it is giving Washington a seat at the table in one of Africa’s most important mining zones.
Under a $9 billion agreement, Glencore will sell 40 percent of its copper and cobalt mines in the DRC to the U.S.-backed Orion Critical Mineral Consortium. The deal covers the Mutanda Mining and Kamoto Copper Company sites, two major producers of minerals used in electric cars, clean energy systems, and modern industries.
While Glencore will still run the mines day to day, the Orion consortium will gain board representation and the power to decide where its share of the minerals is sold. This gives the United States direct influence over part of the global supply of cobalt and copper—materials that are increasingly hard to secure.
The Orion group was formed in October 2025 and is led by Orion Resource Partners, working closely with the U.S. government. Through this structure, Washington is entering Congo’s mining space without owning the mines outright.
According to Glencore, the partnership strengthens its position as a Western operator in a sector long dominated by Chinese firms. Glencore CEO Gary Nagle said the company was “pleased that the U.S. government and Orion CMC have recognized Glencore’s role 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.”
For the U.S., the move reduces its heavy dependence on China, which controls or influences many of Congo’s largest mining projects. Chinese companies already hold strong positions at major sites such as Tenke Fungurume, Kisanfu, and Deziwa.
American officials say the deal fits into a wider partnership with Congo aimed at long-term cooperation. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said the agreement “reflects the core objectives of the US-DRC Strategic Partnership Agreement by encouraging greater US investment in the DRC’s mining sector and promoting secure, reliable, and mutually beneficial flows of critical minerals between our two countries.”
The consortium is also looking beyond the current deal. Plans include expanding the two mines with Congo’s state mining firm, Gécamines, and possibly moving into other mineral projects across the African Copperbelt.
The agreement, however, is not yet final. It still needs regulatory approval, full legal documentation, and due diligence before it can take effect.
At the same time, Glencore is facing major changes elsewhere. Mining giant Rio Tinto is holding early talks about a possible takeover of Glencore. If completed, it could create the largest mining company in the world, valued at more than $200 billion. Both companies have until February 5 to decide whether to move forward or step away.