US Lawmakers Press Trump for Clarity on Planned Mining Deal with DRC
More than fifty Democratic lawmakers have demanded that President Donald Trump publicly clarify a proposed partnership between the United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the mining sector, warning that the opaque process raises serious human rights and environmental concerns.
The President Donald Trump
On August 8, 2025, a group of 51 Democratic members of the US Congress, led by Representative Linda Sánchez, sent an open letter to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, seeking detailed explanations about a planned mining agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The lawmakers criticized the administration for keeping Congress and the American public in the dark about the negotiations, despite the deal’s potential impact on security, labor rights, and the environment.
They highlighted widespread abuses linked to the mining industry in the DRC, including the use of child and forced labor, unsafe working conditions, and severe human rights violations. Citing alarming figures, the letter stated that over 7.8 million people have been displaced, more than 7,000 civilians killed, and thousands subjected to sexual violence in areas associated with mining operations.
Linda Sanchez
According to their data, out of an estimated 350,000 cobalt miners in the DRC, about 80,000 are forced to work without adequate protection, while around 40,000 children, some as young as seven, are involved in hazardous labor.
The lawmakers called on the administration to create a platform for meaningful consultations with Congress, stakeholders, and communities directly affected by mining activities and related conflicts, before hosting any DRC officials in Washington.
The letter follows President Félix Tshisekedi’s early 2025 request for US investment in the DRC’s mining sector to help boost the country’s security infrastructure. President Trump agreed in principle, noting that the cooperation would build on the peace agreement signed between the DRC and Rwanda on June 27, 2025.
Amani Ntakandi – Amahoronews.com
