In the United States, a group of 51 lawmakers from the Democratic Party has openly challenged former President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio over a planned mining deal with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a public letter dated August 8, 2025, the lawmakers demanded clear answers about the agreement. They said they were alarmed that the Trump administration had not discussed the plan with Congress or shared enough information with the public.
“As members of Congress, we are deeply concerned that your administration has failed to consult us, and that there has been a lack of transparency on issues linked to security, human rights, labor, and environmental impacts of mining in the DRC,” the letter stated.
The letter was led by Congresswoman Linda Sánchez and signed by many Democrats. They explained that mining in the DRC is often linked to serious abuses, including child labor, forced labor, and unsafe working conditions.
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The lawmakers pointed out shocking figures. More than 7.8 million people have been displaced because of conflicts tied to mining. At least 7,000 civilians have been killed, and thousands more have suffered sexual violence.
They also noted that out of 350,000 cobalt miners in the DRC, around 80,000 are working under dangerous forced labor conditions. Many of them do not receive protective equipment. Some 40,000 of these workers are children, with some as young as seven years old.
“Children are being exploited in dangerous mines. Many are too young for such work, and they face health risks that will last a lifetime,” the lawmakers said.
Cobalt is a key mineral used in electric car batteries, smartphones, and other technology. The DRC is one of the largest sources of cobalt in the world, making it a valuable partner for any country looking to secure supply chains.
The lawmakers warned that without proper safeguards, the U.S. could end up supporting a system that fuels conflict, abuses human rights, and damages the environment.
They called on the Trump administration to create a process for public consultation. This, they said, should allow everyday Americans to give their views on the mining deal before it is finalized.
“This process should be an opportunity for genuine dialogue with Congress, as well as with other stakeholders, especially communities most affected by mining and the conflicts in the region,” they wrote.
They also insisted that before leaders from the DRC visit Washington again, Congress must receive up-to-date information on all discussions about the agreement.
Earlier in 2025, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi had personally asked Trump to invest in Congo’s mining sector. His government hoped this would help fund and strengthen security forces in the country.
Trump agreed to the idea, saying the partnership would be based on the success of a peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, signed on June 27, 2025.
However, critics argue that peace in the region is fragile, and that mining profits could make conflicts worse if not properly managed.
The lawmakers’ intervention has put the Trump administration under pressure to either defend the deal or reconsider its terms.
Human rights organizations have welcomed the letter, saying it shines a light on abuses that are often hidden in the global supply chain.
Mining companies in the DRC have long faced criticism for their role in human rights violations, but the demand for cobalt continues to grow as the world shifts towards renewable energy and electric vehicles.
The big question now is whether the U.S. will move forward with the deal, and if it does, whether it will ensure that no American investment supports child labor or forced labor in the DRC.
This political showdown could also impact U.S.-Africa relations, especially with other nations eyeing Congo’s vast mineral wealth.
For now, the 51 lawmakers are waiting for Trump and Rubio’s official response, and the world is watching closely.
