The 2020s have seen some seismic shifts in the globalist paradigm. For decades, globalisation had seen countries become more tightly interconnected, relying on one another for resources.

The moment in history that we currently find ourselves in, however, is characterised by geopolitical tensions, volatile markets and supply issues, affecting the trade of everything from food to energy.

These issues have led many governments to begin the gradual retreat away from the principles of globalism with the aim of establishing self-sufficiency and resource sovereignty.

This can currently be observed the world over as a result of the energy crisis that the US-Israel-Iran war has engendered.

But, when it comes to energy, the governments of today aren’t only looking to reduce their reliance on imported fuels – the process is also plain to see in the mining sector.

With critical minerals like lithium, copper and cobalt being utterly essential to the manufacturing of climate technologies like EVs and solar panels, the race is on to establish secure, reliable supply chains.

To this end, the Trump administration recently announced Project Vault, an initiative that aims to reduce its reliance on Russia and China when it comes to these materials.

The US Government has earmarked US$12bn for the project. This week, it was announced that a portion of that budget would be spent on acquiring Chemaf, a mining company from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where natural resources of critical metals are bountiful.

The US’s mineral reserves and their importance to the energy transition

Virtus, leading a consortium, will acquire Chemaf for US$30m and assume the company’s debts, including a US$600m facility from a Trafigura-led group.

The consortium also plans to invest around US$300m to complete Chemaf’s Mutoshi copper-cobalt project and scale up production at the Etoile mine.

Once operational, both sites are expected to yield 75,000 tonnes of copper cathodes and 25,000 tonnes of cobalt hydroxide annually – feedstock crucial for renewable energy systems, EV batteries and transmission networks.

Government approvals from the DRC and state-owned Gécamines are in place, with financial close anticipated soon. The Congolese government’s stake in Chemaf will rise from 5% to 10%, reflecting broader support for local participation in energy-linked mining projects.

Strategic ties for energy supply security

The Chemaf deal marks the first major outcome of the December 2025 US–Congo economic and security partnership, with new investments flowing into the DRC’s mineral sector.

“Under the Trump administration, the US International Development Finance Corporation has invested in and is exploring more than a billion dollars in new mineral exploration deals and strengthened critical mineral supply chains for the US and US allies,” says the US Department of State in the 2026 Critical Minerals Ministerial press release.

By securing Chemaf, the US gains an operational platform within a key producing region, offering a counterweight to Chinese influence in global mineral markets.

The acquisition underlines America’s ambition to safeguard its energy transition from supply shocks and geopolitical volatility.

Why these minerals are the backbone of clean energy

The World Economic Forum estimates reaching net zero by 2050 will require around three billion tonnes of metal – enough to build 300,000 Eiffel Towers – illustrating the demand behind low-carbon technologies.

According to the International Council on Mining and Metals, “Metals and minerals like copper, lithium and cobalt are essential for clean energy technologies, from electric vehicles to wind turbines.”

By integrating Chemaf’s output into Project Vault, the US strengthens its position in critical materials needed to deliver large-scale renewable power and grid electrification.

Building the framework for future energy systems

In early 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance hosted representatives from 54 countries and the European Commission at the Critical Minerals Ministerial.

The event saw the launch of several funding and coordination initiatives, including the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE), with investment commitments exceeding US$30bn to build secure, diversified energy supply chains.

Collaborations such as the Orion–Glencore MoU and Project Vault illustrate the US government’s effort to encourage private investment and guarantee steady flows of energy-critical minerals like cobalt, copper, and lithium.

As the International Energy Agency notes: “Lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and graphite are crucial to battery performance, longevity and energy density.

“Rare earth elements are essential for permanent magnets that are vital for wind turbines and EV motors. Electricity networks need a huge amount of copper and aluminium, with copper being a cornerstone for all electricity-related technologies.”