We have created a world where we need massive amounts minerals to create the technology we rely on each day. Just in the last decade, we have developed the ability to have the internet, GPS, turn-by-turn directions, and more at our fingertips. Our cars are equipped with touch screens and phone connections and chargers. Technology has been shaped to provide us with the most ease and comfort possible.  This comfort has a significant cost that is not being placed on the people of the United States.  

Our call as Christians is to love each other and the earth. In this case, we are harming both. Our comfort and convenience are causing immense harm to our fellow humans, mainly in Africa and across the Global South, and to the Earth itself.  

Mineral mining is not an easy or non-invasive process. Many mineral mines involve creating chasms in the earth's surface that can never be returned to their original state. This disrupts the Earth’s process, the flora, fauna, and ecological biodiversity of the region as well as displacing people and wildlife from the area. We have many examples of this harmful dynamic, such as the current situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For years, we have seen war ravaged Congo. This war has resulted in mass population displacement, killings, and rampant sexual abuse against women and girls.  

This is not a war of parties; it is a war of control. The Congo is one of the most resource rich countries in the world and everyone wants to reap the monetary gain of those resources. Many of the minerals that can be extracted in the Congo are used in technology and electric vehicles. This makes each of us complicit in the harm and oppression of the Congolese people who are suffering the worst parts of this conflict and who did not create any of the systems that contribute to their ongoing oppression.  

At the end of June 2025, U.S. President Trump and the governments of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a deal that entailed, “the warring neighbors agreed to cease hostilities, end support for armed groups, and guarantee the safety of civilians and humanitarian aid workers, according to the document released by the U.S. State Department.” This deal, also gave increased U.S. access to the minerals being mined in the Congo, in a deal similar to the one President made with Ukraine for aid earlier in the year that also gave the U.S. access to Ukraine’s minerals.  

The agreement with the DRC and Rwanda was unethical and failed to address both the climate issues caused by mineral mining and the root of the issue, which is control over the mines. Several other African countries have nationalized their natural resources and created jobs and national revenue by retaining control over the mines. The Congolese people should have the same opportunity.  

Tell the President that we don’t want to see mineral deals used to take advantage of countries and people who need our help!