00:00The DRC is opening its doors wider to U.S. mining interests.
00:05On Thursday, President Philip Tshisekedi oversaw the signing of a key agreement
00:09between the Congolese government and American tech mining company, Cobalt Metals.
00:15Backed by billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates,
00:18Cobalt is investing over $1 billion to explore Congo's vast mineral wealth,
00:23starting with lithium from the giant Manona deposit, one of the richest in the world.
00:28But the deal goes far beyond Manono.
00:31Cobalt plans a nationwide high-tech exploration campaign
00:34to locate critical minerals for global markets.
00:38While the deal is seen by many as a boost for the economy,
00:41it also raises long-standing concerns over foreign exploitation of Congo's natural wealth,
00:47especially in regions where local communities often see little benefit.
00:52The agreement follows a recent peace deal between the DRC and Rwanda brokered by the United States,
00:57reflecting Washington's growing role in the region's diplomacy and resource strategy.
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