Congo Ebola outbreak disrupts US-backed minerals talks, sources say

DAKAR — A worsening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is disrupting travel and delaying meetings related to a US-backed critical minerals partnership aimed at reducing China's dominance over Congo's vast copper and cobalt resources.

The outbreak has made travel to and from Congo increasingly difficult, with quarantine requirements and health concerns forcing officials and investors to postpone planned visits, according to people familiar with the matter.

Congo is the world's largest producer of cobalt and the second-largest supplier of copper. It also holds significant deposits of germanium, lithium, and tantalum, making it a vital source of minerals used in the global energy transition.

The United States and China have both strengthened partnerships with the Congolese government to secure access to the country's strategic mineral resources and encourage investment.

The Ebola outbreak, declared in mid-May, has infected 2,011 people and claimed 754 lives, based on government data.

On July 11, the US Embassy in Kinshasa advised Americans not to travel to Congo for any reason because of the outbreak. The embassy also warned that travelers exposed to the virus could face up to 21 days of quarantine at their own expense.

A US State Department spokesperson said the safety and security of American citizens remain Washington's highest priority. The department added that the US continues to support efforts to contain the outbreak while advancing its minerals partnership with Congo, citing progress on the Lobito Corridor and the Congolese government's commitment to facilitating US investment.

A diplomatic source said the outbreak has delayed discussions on the US-Congo minerals partnership, with some meetings postponed. A planned meeting in Washington last month to review US companies' interest in Congolese mining projects was deferred, although discussions have continued in other locations, including London.

The Congolese government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

According to one consultant, some investors and government officials have moved meetings to Paris and Brussels. A planned review of Congolese mining projects in July was also canceled after key participants from the United States were unable to travel because of the outbreak. -Reporting by Maxwell Akalaare Adombila; additionall reporting by Fiston Mahamba; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani/Reuters