Mobutu remained in power for decades, despite overt corruption, by embracing the U.S. cause against communism, which brought him the unwavering support of Presidents Nixon, Bush, Reagan, and Clinton. Katanga’s minerals flowed to the West, and the proceeds flowed into Mobutu’s bank accounts. However, that which Katanga gives, it can also take away. Copper prices peaked at $1.33 per pound in April 1974 and plunged to $0.59 per pound in June 1982 as low-cost producing nations increased output. Copper production by Gécamines peaked in 1988 at nearly 480,000 tons, and five years later, it plummeted
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