Sec. 6. National strategy on the drc’s critical mineral sector
587 words·~3 min read·
/bill/118/hr/8310/ih/section-6A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the President, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, and the heads of other appropriate Federal departments and agencies, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a written strategy to support efforts by the DRC to ensure critical minerals are produced, processed, and recycled in a manner that— supports the ability of the people of the DRC to realize the full economic development benefit of their geological endowments; and adheres to the highest human rights as well as environmental, social, labor, and governance standards.
The strategy required by subsection
(a)shall also include the following: An analysis of the level of control exerted by the PRC over the DRC’s mining sector, including— the market share of PRC-linked entities in the DRC’s mining sector, to include analysis of the market share for each of the critical minerals identified as part of the United States Geological Survey list of 50 mineral commodities critical to the United States economy and national security and being at the highest risk of supply chain disruption in both the DRC as a whole and within each province where the critical minerals are located; and the financial terms of PRC-linked entities investments in primary extraction. An assessment of human rights and labor conditions at PRC-owned mines in the DRC compared to those owned by partner countries. An assessment of the market share and capacity of partner country mining companies with respect to the DRC’s mining sector. An assessment of illicit mining deals, critical mineral theft, and corruption in resource rich areas of the DRC. A plan to facilitate consultation with Congolese civil society and community leaders to develop a comprehensive and holistic strategy to achieve the goals in subsection (a). A strategic plan to use bilateral and multilateral diplomatic relations, including through sustained engagement with the governments of United States allies and partners, to express to the Government of the DRC that the international community supports business and technological skills-training and other capacity-building measures, including legal reforms, to help build the legitimate, responsible, and conflict-free productive and income-generating capacities of the artisanal and small-scale mining sector to the benefit of the Congolese people. A plan to ensure the issuance of due diligence reporting requirements for private sector entities engaged in the sector in the DRC. An interagency plan to increase United States investment in the DRC, including through— providing foreign assistance to consult with and promote sustainable development in communities affected by mining, protect human rights, and provide professional training for local workers; providing technical assistance to support the Government of the DRC’s efforts to improve the business climate of the DRC; and ensuring sufficient staffing of the United States Embassy in Kinshasa to support the critical minerals portfolio, including by establishing a permanent presence of Foreign Commercial Service Officers to provide commercial services and export assistance to United States companies seeking to do business in the DRC. The strategy required under subsection
(a)shall be submitted in unclassified form and may include a classified annex. Not later than 3 years after the submission of the initial strategy required by subsection (a), and every 3 years thereafter for 12 years, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes— an update of the strategy submitted pursuant to subsection (a); and an assessment of the effectiveness of such strategy, as of the date of the submission of the update.