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U.S.-Backed Virtus Starts First DRC Rare-Earth Mine

6/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump’s administration celebrates Virtus Minerals as the first U.S. rare-earth mining venture in DRC since the Washington Accord.
U.S.-backed Virtus will develop the Étoile and Mutoshi mines to produce 75,000 tonnes of copper and 20,000 tonnes of cobalt, with plants from 2027.
Officials say the project will create American-Congolese jobs, cut Chinese reliance, and export via the Lobito Corridor to an Angolan port with a $5 billion U.S. pledge.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump’s administration celebrates Virtus Minerals as the first U.S. rare-earth mining venture in DRC since the Washington Accord.
U.S.-backed Virtus will develop the Étoile and Mutoshi mines to produce 75,000 tonnes of copper and 20,000 tonnes of cobalt, with plants from 2027.
Officials say the project will create American-Congolese jobs, cut Chinese reliance, and export via the Lobito Corridor to an Angolan port with a $5 billion U.S. pledge.