As part of the DRC-Africa Battery Metals, a conference organized in Kinshasa, the United States Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lucy Tamlyn, highlighted the efforts made by the United States to promote chains of sustainable, transparent and responsible sourcing in the battery metals sector.
In her speech, Lucy Tamlyn highlighted the United States’ commitment to working with all stakeholders in the Congolese mining sector, from the mine to the refinery, with the aim of encouraging investment, benefiting local communities and to preserve the environment.
More than ever, as we face the challenges of global warming, the resources needed for the energy transition, such as metals for lithium-ion batteries, play a crucial role for the future of our planet. The Democratic Republic of Congo occupies a key position in this area, holding a large share of the world’s cobalt reserves, essential for the production of battery cathodes.
This observation makes the DRC a lifeline for our energy transition and represents a historic turning point for the African continent. However, it is essential to ensure that the exploitation of these resources is carried out in compliance with the environmental, social and legal standards in force.
Highlighting U.S. efforts to promote responsible supply chains, Lucy Tamlyn calls on all industry stakeholders to comply with regulations and work together to ensure these valuable resources are harvested sustainably. By working together, it is possible to reconcile economic, social and environmental issues for a better future.
In conclusion, the DRC-Africa Battery Metals conference highlights the importance of battery metals in the energy transition and the absolute need to ensure responsible exploitation of these resources. The United States is committed to supporting the sustainable development of the DRC and encourages all sector stakeholders to address these challenges together. The future of sustainable energy depends on it.