US-China mineral rivalry boosts Congo, Brazil, Kazakhstan

Growing global demand for critical minerals is attracting fresh investments to Congo, Brazil and Kazakhstan as the United States and China compete to secure supplies for advanced technologies, electric vehicles and defence industries.

The expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), electrification and modern technologies has increased demand for copper, lithium, cobalt, tungsten and rare earth elements. Both Washington and Beijing are now seeking alternative sources and expanding overseas investments to reduce supply-chain dependence.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has emerged as a major beneficiary, with China pledging $1 billion to expand a copper mine and proposing another large-scale project capable of producing up to 500,000 tonnes of copper annually. The United States is also seeking to expand its presence in the country's mining sector.

Meanwhile, US investment in Brazil's rare earth sector is increasing. US mining company USA Rare Earth acquired Serra Verde Group in September, with financial support and participation from the US government. The company produces four rare earth elements that are particularly scarce outside Asia.

In Kazakhstan, US investors are showing growing interest in tungsten reserves, a mineral widely used in advanced weapons and military equipment. In November 2025, a company named Kaz Resources announced plans to invest $1 billion in developing tungsten deposits in the Kairakty and Northern Katpar regions.