re: Congo’s President Offers Trump Control of $24 Trillion in Minerals

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Or is Congo military that bad and that wouldn’t be enough?

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It isn't just Congo. You're talking about basically a thirty year war involving a half dozen African nations that are controlled by different sects, tribes, and a revolving door of warlords. Millions of people have already been killed in these wars. It is a rat's nest that we will sink hundreds of billions into just to become the next nation that failed at stabilizing the region.

That's great but honestly the main issue with rare earth minerals is the ability to refine and process the minerals. China currently refines approximately 85% to 90% of the world’s rare earth minerals. This capability took China decades to build up. Grok 3 did a good summary




"China's dominance in the refining capabilities of rare earth minerals stems from a combination of strategic, economic, and historical factors:
Abundant Reserves and Early Investment: China has significant natural deposits of rare earth elements (REEs), accounting for about 36% of the world's known reserves as of recent estimates. In the 1980s and 1990s, the Chinese government identified REEs as a strategic resource and heavily invested in mining and refining infrastructure, giving them a head start over other nations.

Cost Advantage: China leveraged low labor costs, lax environmental regulations, and government subsidies to produce rare earths at a lower cost than competitors. This made it economically unviable for many Western countries to sustain their own refining industries, leading to a reliance on Chinese supply.

Integrated Supply Chain: China developed a comprehensive supply chain, from mining to refining to manufacturing end products (like magnets, batteries, and electronics). This vertical integration allows them to control the market and offer competitive pricing, further solidifying their dominance.

Export Restrictions and Market Control: In the past, China has imposed export quotas and restrictions on rare earths (e.g., in 2010 during a dispute with Japan), signaling its willingness to use REEs as a geopolitical tool. This pushed many global manufacturers to relocate production to China to ensure supply stability, enhancing China's refining dominance.

Technological Expertise: Over decades, China has built significant expertise in the complex and often polluting process of refining rare earths. Separating these elements requires sophisticated chemical processes, and China has refined these techniques while other nations scaled back their efforts.

Global Dependence: By the early 2000s, China was producing over 90% of the world’s refined rare earths, a position it has maintained. This dependence discouraged new entrants due to the high capital costs and environmental challenges of building rival facilities.

The combination of these factors has entrenched China's position, though efforts are underway elsewhere—such as the U.S. with the Mountain Pass mine or Australia's Lynas Corporation—to diversify supply chains amid growing concerns over reliance on China. Still, China's head start and scale remain tough to challenge in the short term."

No he's too young but I bet he's around the same age as your typical Congo rebel.

24 Trillion with a T? How is DRC not the richest nation in Africa?

Give the American people a taste of it and we'll talk. If it's just going to oligarchs their families can go fight

we gonna have to talk about them human rights first. I'm all for the opportunity but we Ghana have to quit chopping people up into little pieces.

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24 Trillion with a T? How is DRC not the richest nation in Africa?

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This is a problem in most of Africa. They simply can't handle issues peacefully.

They're a lot like the modern left in the USA. Every issue must be handled violently.

The very people bemoaning USAID and screaming "America First" are now taking up the dreaded mission of stabilizing Africa and bringing into the modern era.

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The very people bemoaning USAID and screaming "America First" are now taking up the dreaded mission of stabilizing Africa and bringing into the modern era.

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Nah.

I'm perfectly fine with some genocide if necessary to strip their wealth.

Stabilizing is for pearl clutchers and fools.

Looks like they’ll be getting a Home Depot, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Mcdonald’s, Kentucky-Taco-Hut, Domino’s and a Carl’s Jr very soon.

Oh Hell Yeah. Make’at Congo Great Again