U.S. Offtake Deals Lift VanEck Rare Earth ETF 6%, Target DRC Cobalt
U.S. secures offtake agreements with Congolese miner Gécamines and Mercuria to channel DRC cobalt and Zambian and Guinean copper into U.S.-aligned supply chains. The administration’s $12 billion Project Vault and trade measures with EU, Japan and Mexico aim to stabilize critical mineral prices and reduce Chinese refining dominance.
1. U.S. Offtake Agreements with African Producers
The U.S. has secured offtake agreements with Congolese state miner Gécamines and Mercuria to channel DRC cobalt, as well as copper supplies from Zambia and Guinea, into U.S.-aligned value chains currently dominated by Chinese refiners.
2. Project Vault and International Trade Measures
The administration launched a $12 billion public-private Project Vault initiative and is coordinating trade measures with the EU, Japan and Mexico—including border-adjusted price floors—to stabilize critical mineral prices and counter subsidized Chinese production.
3. VanEck Rare Earth ETF Market Reaction
VanEck Rare Earth ETF shares rose 6.09% on the policy announcement and have climbed 12.83% year-to-date, reflecting investor optimism over reduced reliance on Chinese refining and stronger U.S. supply security.