The Democratic Republic of Congo has historically been the top producer of cobalt worldwide, with most mines controlled by Chinese companies. Malhotra said the operation will be a boon to U.S. efforts to counter China’s dominance of the electric battery market.... The company, founded in 2019, said it will be announcing customer partnerships in the coming months.... Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Sanson of the United Mine Workers of America also planned to attend. ———Associated Press writer