Article

The US-DRC Strategic Partnership Agreement, signed on December 4, 2025, marks a significant shift in the geopolitics of critical minerals, prioritizing US interests over established international law in the mining sector. The agreement grants US investors preferential rights to minerals from the DRC, which faces pressures from armed groups, while raising concerns about the exploitative nature of such partnerships amid increased geopolitical risks. This evolving landscape challenges traditional legal protections and necessitates a reevaluation of risk management strategies for mining companies.