America’s new era of state-sponsored mining

The Economist

February 26, 2026

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The Trump administration is making a significant push to challenge China's dominance in the critical minerals sector, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is one of the world's most mineral-rich countries. With Chinese entities controlling stakes in nearly 90% of Congolese mining projects, the U.S. is stepping up its efforts to secure access to key resources like copper and cobalt, essential for technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable energy. In December, American firms gained priority access to a large trove of mines and exploration sites in the DRC. Additionally, the U.S. government invested $553 million in the Lobito Corridor railway project, which aims to create a faster shipping route from Congo's copperbelt to Angola's Atlantic coast, facilitating easier transport of minerals to the U.S. This move by the U.S. reflects a broader strategy to break China's stranglehold on critical minerals and ensure a stable supply chain for industries reliant on these resources. The DRC's vast reserves make it a strategic target, as it holds significant deposits of copper, cobalt, and other minerals crucial for both traditional manufacturing and emerging technologies. By investing in infrastructure projects like the Lobito Corridor and acquiring stakes in existing mines, the U.S. is signaling its intent to compete directly with Chinese influence in Africa's mining sector. For businesses, this shift matters because it could reshape global supply chains and competition dynamics. The race for critical minerals is not just about resource extraction; it’s a strategic play to secure economic and technological advantages. Companies dependent on these minerals for their products will need to closely monitor the evolving geopolitical landscape as the U.S. and China compete for influence in key mining regions. This could also open new investment opportunities in mining projects, particularly in countries like the DRC, where Western firms are now

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Originally published on The Economist on 2/26/2026