The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), known for its vibrant history and rich cultural fabric, is increasingly coming under the limelight for its vast mineral wealth. A deeper look into its mineral assets sheds light on global geopolitics, economic tactics, and the progression of technology.

I am thrilled to announce that tomorrow at 11 AM EST, I will be moderating a panel discussion for the Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) themed “Critical Minerals in the Congo”. The CMI has been organizing a monthly masterclass for its members. If you’re interested, drop me an email, and I’ll be happy to offer you a complimentary pass. This gesture underscores our commitment to learning and growth. Special thanks to the Directorial Team for their unwavering dedication.

During this Masterclass, we are privileged to host two distinguished CMI Board Members, Melissa ‘Mel’ Sanderson and Russell Fryer, both with invaluable on-ground experience in the Congo. Mel has dedicated 16 years to fortifying relations in Congo on behalf of Freeport McMoRan. On the other hand, Russell heads Critical Metals PLC, an LSE-listed firm focusing on Congo’s burgeoning copper sector. For an in-depth analysis, do watch our recently released interview: “Russell Fryer on Critical Metals PLC’s Strategic Moves in the DRC and Global Expansion.”

DRC’s Mineral Wealth: Tracing its Roots

While preparing for this Masterclass, I delved into some historical backdrop.

In the early 20th century, the DRC’s incredible mineral affluence left European geologists in awe, leading them to describe it as a “geological scandal”. Today, the nation boasts an estimated mineral cache valued at an astonishing $24 trillion. The World Bank echoes this magnitude by spotlighting the country’s 80 million hectares of cultivable land, housing a diverse array of over 1,100 minerals and gemstones. Key amongst them are:

• Coltan (Columbite-tantalite): A unique tar-like mineral.
• Cobalt: Extracted from nickel and copper mining, it’s pivotal for myriad applications.
• Uranium: A potent element with energy and defense connotations.
• Copper: Reinforcing the DRC’s stature as Africa’s top copper producer.

These aren’t merely geological marvels. They are the linchpins for numerous global industries, spanning aerospace, defense, tech, electronics, and automotive.

The US’s Escalating Focus on African Minerals

The strategic gravity of these minerals has piqued the interest of global giants, particularly the US. A series of recent American endeavors underscore its intensified involvement with mineral-abundant African countries. Highlights include:

• Initiatives in Lusaka and Kinshasa to jumpstart local battery fabrication.
• Kimberly Harrington of the Bureau of Energy Resources underscoring the pivotal role of critical minerals in the impending clean energy wave.
• A significant US investment of $150 million in Mozambique’s graphite mining to augment graphite output and enrich the global supply network.
• The US-driven Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) propelling the agenda of infusing overseas investment and technical acumen into the mining facets of emerging economies.

Further solidifying the centrality of minerals in the automotive and energy pivot, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, endorsed a pact with Congo and Zambia, bolstering their joint vision to shape an electric-vehicle supply chain.

DRC vs. China: The Germanium Powerplay

In a fascinating twist in the global mineral narrative, a novel facility in the DRC is set to challenge China’s germanium stronghold. Presently, China reigns supreme, manufacturing a staggering 60% of global germanium. But with the DRC’s latest venture, supported by the state-backed miner Gecamines’ affiliate STL, aspiring to claim 30% of worldwide production, the scales may soon tip.

Given germanium’s indispensable roles in fiber-optic connectivity, infrared optics, and space ventures, this move is monumental. The DRC’s ambition is clear: to emerge as a powerhouse not just in cobalt and copper, but also in the germanium sector.

Final Thoughts

The mineral narrative of the DRC is a captivating tale of tactics, global significance, and boundless potential. As our world forges ahead with tech innovations and sustainable shifts, the DRC’s mineral treasure is set to shimmer even brighter.

For those interested in joining our masterclass, drop a line at [email protected] for a complimentary pass.

Mark Your Calendars for a CMI Masterclass

The Critical Minerals Institute Masterclass is just around the corner, scheduled for Thursday, October 19th at 11 AM EST. Centering around the intriguing topic of Critical Minerals in the Congo, this event promises enlightening discussions. Don’t forget to register using the exclusive CMI member code CMC2 to avail your free entry (limited to 50). Featured speakers include CMI Board Members Melissa ‘Mel’ Sanderson and Russell Fryer. While Mel boasts a rich 16-year history in Congo relations through Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX), Russell is the dynamic leader of Critical Metals PLC (LSE: CRTM), a formidable name in Congo’s copper industry.

Fresh Off The Press: Dive deep into the CMI October edition of the Critical Minerals Institute Report, bearing the headline A slowing global economy continues to temper demand. Authored by the distinguished Matt Bohlsen, an Australian-based CMI Director, he’s a familiar name for many as the Senior Editor for InvestorNews.com and a distinguished voice on SeekingAlpha when it comes to critical minerals.

A Glance at InvestorNews.com’s Recent Critical Mineral Highlights:

• WATCH: Nano One’s Partnership with Sumitomo: Sustainable Cathode Materials for EV
• READ: Ara Partners Acquires Vacuumschmelze: Mission Critical in the Electric Vehicle Landscape
• WATCH: Russell Fryer on Critical Metals PLC’s Strategic Moves in the DRC and Global Expansion
• WATCH: Mark Billings on Auxico’s critical minerals project advancements in Bolivia and Colombia
• WATCH: Donald Swartz’s insights on ARR’s Halleck Creek Project unlocking America’s rare earth potential
• WATCH: Ian Fraser on Fathom Nickel’s Exploration Progress and the Critical Mineral Potential in Saskatchewan

A Quick Scan of Global Markets

Canadian futures are on a notable rise, drawing momentum from burgeoning copper prices. The U.S. market witnesses a cautious optimism, with futures making modest gains ahead of this week’s crucial corporate announcements and economic revelations. European shares are rallying, with mining stocks taking the lead, all thanks to growing enthusiasm over Chinese demand, although the looming Middle East tensions remain a concern. Over in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei grapples with a setback, predominantly influenced by the slump in chip-related stocks.

Corporate Chronicles

Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) finds itself amidst a brewing storm. Initial peace agreements seem to crumble as unions at their Australian LNG setups gear up for renewed strikes. The pivot for this unrest? Chevron’s alleged retreat from prior commitments.

In a groundbreaking move, Ferrari NV embraces the future, rolling out cryptocurrency transactions for their luxury vehicles in the U.S. Europe is next on their radar. This initiative aligns with their ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by the close of 2030.

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) encounters turbulence in its dealings with the United Auto Workers. In an anticipated move towards resolution, the union found itself presented with a deja vu, receiving an offer identical to one from two weeks earlier.

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) breathes a sigh of relief up north, as Canadian labor union Unifor members give a nod to a new contract. This positive stride contrasts with the simmering unrest led by hourly workers in the U.S.

Investor.Coffee Daily Updates are intended to hit a few business news highlights for the day.

In an InvestorIntel interview with the Critical Minerals Institute Chairman Jack Lifton, Melissa Sanderson, the President of North America and Director of American Rare Earths Limited (ASX: ARR | OTCQB: ARRNF), discussed the current state of critical minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and how it impacts the United States. Sanderson highlighted recent legislation that tackles human rights violations, UN peacekeeping missions, economic potential, and corruption in the DRC. The legislation also proposes a US Geological Service study to identify the types and quantities of critical materials present in the DRC and calls for an increase in embassy staffing in Kinshasa, including rare earth expertise, to facilitate US businesses’ entry into the Congo.

However, Sanderson noted a divergence between Washington’s approach and the DRC’s expectations. The latter seeks tangible investments rather than studies or moral suasion. She highlighted the UAE’s $9 billion agreement with the Congolese government for mining sector development as a significant move. This places the UAE in direct competition with China, which currently dominates the global rare earth production and has a substantial influence in the DRC. While the US hopes for reduced corruption and improved conditions for its businesses, it remains hesitant to invest in the Congo…to access the full interview, click here

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About American Rare Earths Limited

American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR | OTCQB: ARRNF | FSE: 1BHA) is a leading explorer and developer of rare earth elements with a strong focus on developing sustainable and cost-effective extraction and processing methods. The company’s projects, including Halleck Creek in Wyoming, La Paz in Arizona, and Searchlight in Nevada, hold significant potential to become major rare earth production sites in North America.

To know more about American Rare Earths Limited, click here

Disclaimer: American Rare Earths Limited is an advertorial member of InvestorIntel Corp.

This interview, which was produced by InvestorIntel Corp., (IIC), does not contain, nor does it purport to contain, a summary of all the material information concerning the “Company” being interviewed. IIC offers no representations or warranties that any of the information contained in this interview is accurate or complete.

This presentation may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and assumptions of the management of the Company as of the date made. They are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and other factors that could cause actual events/results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those that the Company does not know about now or that it currently deems immaterial, may also adversely affect the Company’s business or any investment therein.

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July 4, 2018 – “Today minerals are traced in the Congo. You have got tin, tantalum, tungsten, cobalt, which are considered conflict metals. The early incumbent system is all paper-based log books. We think that blockchain is a significant way to improve mineral provenance and certify where it has come from, how it is produced and essentially it is a distributed ledger and it is really facilitating and automating trust between counterparties in the supply chain. We are the intermediary between artisanal miners and our offtake partner.” states Lance Hooper, President & COO and Director of Cobalt Blockchain Inc. (TSXV: COBC), in an interview with InvestorIntel Corp. CEO Tracy Weslosky.

Tracy Weslosky: Lance I think you are basically going to be the first ethical supplier of DRC cobalt. Is that correct? 

Lance Hooper: Yeah, that is our plan Tracy in the next quarter. We have put a number of the building blocks in place; initial supply agreement. Right now we are building out depot infrastructure and implementing the mineral traceability system that we have developed in the last 3 months. 

Tracy Weslosky: InvestorIntel audience, here is what we have. We have cobalt, which is in demand around the world and, of course, we have technology with blockchain. Can you explain to us a little bit more about how you are utilizing blockchain technology to change the cobalt industry? 

Lance Hooper: Sure. Today minerals are traced in the Congo. You have got tin, tantalum, tungsten, cobalt, which are considered conflict metals. The early incumbent system is all paper-based log books. We think that blockchain is a significant way to improve mineral provenance and certify where it has come from, how it is produced and essentially it is a distributed ledger and it is really facilitating and automating trust between counterparties in the supply chain. We are the intermediary between artisanal miners and our offtake partner…to access the complete interview, click here

Disclaimer: Cobalt Blockchain Inc. is an advertorial member of InvestorIntel Corp.