The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to be a focal point for critical mineral trade, particularly under rebel control in its eastern regions. Despite decades-long conflict, efforts toward establishing durable peace have gained momentum, with the United States actively pushing for a resolution. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed hopes that lasting peace will attract billions of dollars in investments into the DRC's abundant mineral resources, including tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, and lithium. However, less than 20% of the DRC has been geologically mapped, indicating vast untapped mineral potential. A regional economic framework is being drafted to enhance cooperation between Rwanda and the DRC, which could facilitate economic development. Experts emphasize that significant infrastructural investments in transportation, energy, water, and other sectors are essential to bring new mineral projects online. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the risk of regional conflict remains profound and that investment is unlikely without a functioning peace agreement. Meanwhile, Ukraine has launched a tender for lithium mining rights in the Kirovohrad region, signaling a strategic push to develop critical mineral resources with an eye toward energy production and attracting U.S. investment. This move coincides with Kyiv's efforts to advance a minerals deal with the Trump administration. Notably, KoBold Metals has been granted exploration rights for lithium in the DRC, while Nasdaq-listed Critical Metals claims existing rights to mine the Dobra lithium deposit in Ukraine, which is now open for bidding.