This House resolution expresses support for stronger partnerships between the United States and African countries to develop critical minerals. It says critical minerals are important for national security, the economy, clean energy, and defense. The text notes worries about foreign entities of concern (including some actors linked to the People’s Republic of China) controlling parts of global mineral supply chains. It cites estimates that sub-Saharan Africa holds a large share of proven critical mineral reserves and that relatively little investment in mining is planned for Africa. The resolution urges diversifying mineral supply sources, improving federal coordination to help U.S. businesses invest in friendly countries, and encouraging investment and responsible mining and processing in African markets. It also supports turning a 2022 U.S. Memorandum of Understanding with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia into a meaningful investment program that could be a model across Africa. Finally, it urges the Secretary of State and other federal officials to develop a 5-year strategy to strengthen commercial diplomacy, provide financing and technical assistance incentives, support diversified investment funds through the Development Finance Corporation and similar agencies, and enhance economic cooperation with eligible African mineral producers.
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Proponents argue the measures in the resolution would help protect U.S. access to minerals needed for clean energy, electronics, and defense. They say working with African producers can promote responsible mining, local jobs, and value-added processing, while reducing dependence on foreign entities of concern and strengthening secure, market-based supply chains.
No publicly available information.