Washington to refine up to 3,600 tonnes of Congolese tin
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Mediacongo
The United States plans to refine up to 3,600 metric tonnes of Congolese tin a year at a first plant in Virginia. The facility is expected to begin production in 2027 as part of the strategic partnership between Kinshasa and Washington, according to US Undersecretary of State Jacob Helberg.
The United States plans to refine up to 3,600 metric tonnes of raw tin from the Democratic Republic of the Congo a year under a new supply agreement between Kinshasa and Washington. The announcement was made by Jacob Helberg, US Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs, who presents the initiative as a concrete expression of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
A first refining plant is to be established in Henry County, Virginia, with production expected to begin in 2027. Congolese tin will supply the facility, which is intended to strengthen US processing capacity for critical minerals. The metal is used in printed circuit boards for phones, cars and defence equipment.
For Washington, the project is intended to help secure US supplies of strategic minerals and develop industrial activities on its territory. The initiative is also expected to generate jobs in the United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
