Veteran mining executive Robert Friedland, executive co-chairman of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd., has highlighted expanding growth prospects tied to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as the United States intensifies its push for critical minerals supply diversification. Friedland said industry morale is high and opportunities abound now that U.S. policymakers are placing the DRC and its mineral wealth at the “highest order of priority internationally.”
Friedland’s comments come amid efforts by Ivanhoe to strengthen its strategic engagement with U.S. stakeholders — including plans to open offices in New York and Washington D.C. to liaise more closely with government and industry partners. The company is also in advanced discussions with DRC state-owned miner Gécamines and global trader Mercuria to supply critical minerals, including zinc and copper concentrates, to the U.S. market.
The backdrop to these moves is heightened geopolitical focus on securing supply chains for minerals crucial to electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies and defense applications. Washington has recently launched initiatives such as the Project Vault critical minerals stockpile, drawing private capital and government support to bolster U.S. access to strategic materials. Friedland joined U.S. President Donald J. Trump at a White House event marking the initiative’s launch and underscoring the shared interest in strengthening non-Chinese sources of supply.
Meanwhile, the DRC government is proactively pitching mineral projects to American investors as part of broader economic cooperation efforts, reflecting Kinshasa’s intent to leverage its abundant cobalt, copper and other resources in support of major buyers like the United States.
Industry analysts say that partnerships between African producers and U.S. strategic buyers could reshape critical minerals markets, but also underscore the need for robust governance and sustainable development frameworks in mining jurisdictions.