Strengthening Critical Mineral Supply Chains: The MSP’s Milestone Agreement in the DRC

The United States, serving as Chair of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), along with MSP partners, are pleased to announce the finalization of a new deal between STL, a subsidiary of La Générale des Carrières et des Mines (Gécamines) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Belgian company Umicore. This agreement marks a significant step forward in cooperation on germanium offtake and processing.

This collaboration between MSP partners and the private sector showcases the MSP’s ability to secure and diversify critical mineral supply chains, bringing economic benefits to local communities and source countries such as the DRC. Umicore and Gecamines’ leadership have highlighted that this deal will not only support sustainable recycling and the circular economy but also foster the development of new technical skills and expertise in the DRC, elevating Gecamines’ and the DRC’s role as a key player in critical mineral processing.

Through close collaboration with the 15 MSP partners, this milestone agreement will greatly increase the global supply of germanium, a crucial component used in semiconductors, optical cables, solar cells, and more. The processed germanium will help strengthen supply chains to markets in the U.S., Europe, and Japan, further solidifying the importance of the MSP in ensuring a stable and secure supply of critical minerals.