USTDA Invests in Copper and Cobalt Refinery in DRC

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has taken a significant step in bolstering the U.S. critical mineral supply chain by awarding a contract on September 23, 2026, to fund a pre-feasibility study for the construction of a copper and cobalt refinery in Lualaba Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This initiative is designed to create a framework for U.S. companies, particularly those involved in mineral processing equipment, engineering services, and industrial development, to capitalize on the rich mineral resources of the DRC. This strategic move aligns with the U.S. government’s broader objectives of supporting supply chain resilience for critical minerals vital to various sectors including defense, energy, and advanced technologies.

The DRC is globally recognized as a powerhouse in mineral resources, hosting the largest deposits of cobalt and standing as Africa’s largest producer of copper. The U.S. government’s investment in this refinery project is expected not only to augment the extraction and processing capabilities of these crucial minerals but also to enhance economic growth in the region. Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Deputy Director, emphasized the critical nature of copper and cobalt, stating that these minerals are essential for maintaining U.S. leadership in both the technology and defense sectors.

The pre-feasibility study, executed in collaboration with Buenassa Resources S.A., aims to evaluate potential feedstock supplies for the refinery, establish a technical design, and delineate the economic and financial parameters guiding the refinery's development. Following the study's completion, construction and operational opportunities will emerge for American companies focused on mineral processing solutions, promoting further engagement in the DRC’s prolific mineral landscape. This once again highlights the U.S. government's intention to ensure a steady flow of critical minerals in support of domestic industries reliant on these resources.

Economically, this project could serve as a catalyst for broader industrial growth within Lualaba Province and the DRC as a whole. The government emphasizes that by increasing their capacity to process these minerals locally, they aspire to position the DRC as a central hub in the global critical minerals marketplace. The cooperative agreement reflects not just a commercial opportunity but also a diplomatic effort to strengthen ties through the U.S.-DRC Strategic Partnership, which aligns mutual interests in securing reliable supply chains and expanding economic collaboration in critical sectors.

The refinery will be a key leverage point for the U.S. to influence the growing global demand for copper and cobalt, particularly where these minerals intersect with national security and defense supply chains. Procurement professionals should emphasize the expected rise in demand for specialized equipment and services tied to the refinery's establishment, pointing to significant opportunities for U.S. contractors ready to engage in this expanding market.

In summary, the USTDA’s funding reflects a strategic commitment to enhancing U.S. interests abroad while contributing to the DRC's economic development. Organizations and companies positioned within the mineral processing and related fields should monitor upcoming solicitations and partnership opportunities stemming from this transformative project.