A group of American investors with links to former U.S. military and intelligence officials is in advanced negotiations to acquire Chemaf Resources Ltd., a leading copper and cobalt producer in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to Business Insider, the negotiations involve Orion Resource Partners and Virtus Minerals and come amid broader efforts by the United States under President Donald Trump to curb China’s dominance in the global critical minerals market, especially in Africa.
The American firms involved have strong ties to the U.S. military and intelligence community and bring deep expertise in critical mineral supply chains.
Orion, a New York-based investment firm, manages about $8 billion in mining-related assets.
Virtus Minerals, which operates a Congolese subsidiary called ROK Metals, is led by President Gregory Roberts, who previously served with the CIA and the House Intelligence Committee.
Its Managing Director, Phil Braun, is a Green Beret with 20 years of military experience.
Don’t Miss This:
Gates, Bezos-Backed KoBold Strikes Deal In Congo To Expand U.S. Access To Critical Minerals
According to the proposed arrangement, Orion would finance the acquisition, while Virtus would be responsible for managing operations.
Though specific financial terms have not been disclosed, Bloomberg reported that a person familiar with the discussions said the parties have not yet signed an exclusivity agreement, with several elements of the deal still under negotiation.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has become a central focus for Washington, given its crucial role in the global minerals supply chain.
As the second-largest producer of copper and the world’s top supplier of cobalt, both essential to electric vehicle batteries and modern electronics, control of assets like Chemaf holds major geopolitical and economic value.
The ongoing negotiations also reflect broader U.S. strategic interests in the region.
In addition to reducing China’s influence in the mineral sector, the talks are being viewed as part of an effort to ease long-standing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda.
These tensions have historically been linked to struggles over the region’s rich mineral resources.
Chemaf operates major mining sites throughout the DRC and plays a significant role in the global supply of cobalt and copper.
If completed, the acquisition would be one of the most prominent U.S.-backed mineral deals in Africa in recent years, underscoring the country’s intent to expand its influence in critical mineral production.
Don’t Miss This:
Congo Pushes For Closer Economic Ties With Senegal
Image Credit: Business Insider Africa
