DRC-USA: Washington welcomes the new contract for the purchase and processing of Germanium
The United States of America, President of the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) welcomed the new contract for the purchase and processing of Germanium finalized between STL, a subsidiary of Générale des Carrières et des Mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Belgian company Umicore, the ACP learned on Friday May 10, 2024 from a press release.
“As Chair of the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP), the United States of America and its MSP partners welcome the new germanium purchase and processing contract finalized between the STL , a subsidiary of Générale des Carrières et des Mines (Gécamines) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the Belgian company Umicore, which is advancing cooperation in this area,” we read in the Department’s press release.
According to this press release, this collaboration between MSP partners and the private sector is powerful proof of MSP's ability to secure and diversify critical mineral supply chains, which bring economic benefits to local communities and countries like the DRC.
As highlighted by Umicore and Gécamines officials, this agreement will also support sustainable recycling and the circular economy, develop new technical skills and expertise in the DRC, and strengthen the role of Gécamines and the DRC in as an important player in the processing of critical minerals.
This important agreement, reached through close collaboration with the 15 MSP partners, significantly increases the global supply of germanium, which is used in semiconductors, optical cables, solar cells and many other products.
The processed germanium will ultimately strengthen the supply chains of the American, European and Japanese markets.
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