U.S. company, KoBold, breaks into DRC, signs mineral exploration agreement with country’s leader, Tshisekedi

The Democratic Republic of Congo has reportedly struck a preliminary mineral exploration agreement with US‑based Kobold Metals, deepening American involvement in its critical minerals sector.

The deal according to a news report obtained from Mining.com by Zambia Monitor on Sunday is said to have opened the door to US investment in what is a major global supplier of cobalt and copper.

The African nation also holds substantial reserves of lithium, tin, and tungsten.

Kobold, backed by investors including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, agreed “in principle” to apply for exploration permits and digitise Congo’s geological data, according to a presidential announcement.

The deal signed in Kinshasa with President Félix Tshisekedi marks a strategic push for the US to gain access to critical minerals such as cobalt, copper, and lithium It aligns with a broader US‑Congo initiative aimed at reducing China’s dominance in the minerals’ supply chain.

Kobold plans to deploy its AI‑powered exploration tools and begin a lithium project in the mining town of Manono in the southeastern province of Tanganyika.

The company said it will fund digital geological mapping, hire local staff, and support infrastructure investments in host communities.

The exploration agreement complements Kobold’s earlier progress, including a US $1 billion framework to acquire part of the Manono lithium deposit from Australia’s AVZ Minerals — a move supported by the US government.

However, the final outcome remains contingent on resolving ongoing legal disputes and securing necessary permits.

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