AVZ Discussion 2022

[cruiser51]

DRC: The new government called to put an end to the Sinon-Congolese convention and to apply the mining code regime​

Last updated: 2024/06/13 at 12:58 AM
MiningPublished June 13, 2024

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The new government of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka is called upon to put an end to the Sino-Congolese convention and to apply the Mining Code regime to this project. This exhortation is formulated by the Congo Is Not for Sale coalition (CNPAV).
Happy
Convention promoting corruption and embezzlementDaniel Bawuna
“Congo is Not for Sale (CNPAV) notes the uncertainty of infrastructure financing, the ambiguity on loans as well as the maintenance of imbalances and shortfalls for the Congolese population after the renegotiation of the Chinese Contract (Sicomines )”, indicated this coalition.
However, the CNPAV coalition welcomes the publication within the legal deadlines of Amendment 5 signed on March 14, 2024 between the Congolese government and the Chinese business group (GEC), after more than a year of negotiations.
However, the CNPAV says it is "concerned by the clauses of this amendment which introduce uncertainty on the financing of infrastructure, amplify the ambiguity on infrastructure loans and maintain the structural imbalances and the shortfall that the Congolese party suffered for more than 15 years.

Convention promoting corruption and embezzlement​

From the careful analysis carried out of this amendment, the CNPAV noted that the conclusions of the renegotiation of the Sicomines Convention did not resolve the structural imbalances documented and decried by civil society organizations and the EITI Executive Committee -DRC.
To be very clear, these imbalances concern in particular the management of Sicomines outside the usual circuit of public finances favoring corruption and the misappropriation of public funds, the shortfall caused by the total tax exemptions not quantified or evaluated granted to the Sicomines, the absence of technology and skills transfer clauses in the construction of infrastructure, unjustified minority shares of the Congolese party in the Sicomines joint venture and extremely low disbursements for infrastructure contrary to the expectations of the Congolese populations and to the commitments of the Chinese side.
It is unfortunately noted, the uncertainty of funds to finance infrastructure since the beginning of the year, President Félix Tshisekedi, the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) and the International Secretariat of the EITI have affirmed that the Chinese partnership will bring at the end of the negotiations a total of seven (7) billion US dollars in revenue, or 324 million US dollars per year for infrastructure investments.
Unfortunately, amendment 5 does not provide any guarantee that these announced revenues will be realized for the Congolese State. Rather than providing with certainty the sum of 324 million US dollars per year as announced by the Congolese authorities, amendment 5 conditions the financing of infrastructure on the price of copper on the international market, a variable that the DRC does not control.
According to the clauses of amendment 5, the Congolese party will only be entitled to 324 million US dollars per year to finance infrastructure if the price of copper exceeds 8,000 US dollars per tonne.
Cobalt, a strategic mineral forgotten in the calculations or offered as a gift to the Chinese side?
The CNPAV notes that amendment 5 did not include the revenues generated by cobalt in the revenues intended to contribute to the financing of infrastructure.
However, in the initial agreement, the DRC made considerable cobalt reserves available to Sicomines of around 619,000 tonnes, or 5 times the total annual production of the DRC, all projects combined.
In addition, according to statistics from the Lualaba Provincial Mines Division, Sicomines produced 34,000 tonnes of cobalt hydroxides from 2019 to 2023, and the CNPAV coalition wonders if amendment 5 has just offered the cobalt revenue as a gift to the Chinese side or if the Congolese negotiators forgot that this mineral already declared strategic by the government of the DRC because of its capital importance in the global energy transition?
Faced with this constant continuity of the unbalanced nature of this partnership for the Congolese side, the CNPAV demands the maintenance of exemptions, and the parallel management of Sicomines vis-à-vis the regular circuit of public finances.
For these reasons, the CNPAV recommends to the new Congolese government of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa to terminate the Convention and subject Sicomines to the same regime governing all other mining projects, in particular that of the Mining Code as revised in March 2018.

Daniel Bawuna​

 

[Frank]

 

[Flexi]

Maybe Nigel should invite John for a coffee and discuss USAID funding for AVZ .......that's only if we need the funds of course.


"The United States, through the USAID structure, has launched, according to Director John Dunlop, a call for proposals as part of its “Trade and investment in Africa: critical minerals” project.

This American organization, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, intends to expand its network on multiple issues relating to critical minerals in the mining sector.

“We are increasing our focus on mining issues in this country and assuring everyone who wants to invest that there is an environment in the private sector that is fair and free of corruption."

 

[BEISHA]

Lubumbashi: launch of the 19th edition of the DRC Mining Week, Jacques Kyabula kicks off!

The governor of the Haut-Katanga province, the Honorable Jacques Kyabula Katwe, proceeded, this Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Pullman Grand Karavia Hotel, to the official opening of the 19th edition of the DRC Minnig Week which has become an essential event for the mining industry in the DRCongo.

“The DRC Mining Week is a place for exchanges and the conclusion of win-win partnerships between investors and mining operators,” declared the Honorable Jacques Kyabula Katwe.

Placed under the theme: “Prioritizing sustainable mining operations and local transformation in the DRCongo”, the 19th edition of DRC Mining runs from June 12 to 14, 2024.

More than 200 companies are present at the exhibition and 10 renowned speakers are expected at various conferences.

For the Event Director of DRC Minig Week, Mr. Samukelo Madlabane, sustainability has become the cornerstone of modern mining practices.

“Our commitment to responsible mining not only ensures the preservation of the environment and natural resources, but also supports the long-term visibility of the mining industry,” he said in substance.

And, he added: “Through innovative technologies, community engagement and forward-thinking policies, we aim to achieve a balance between economic prosperity and good environmental governance.”

Note that technical sub-themes are planned for this 19th edition, namely, “Mining and Digital Technologies”, for Wednesday June 12, “Solution for the mining value chain”, for Thursday June 13 and “the potential of the mining value chain”, for Friday June 14, 2024.

View attachment 64794


Lubumbashi: USAID INVEST a remarkable participation in the 19th edition of the DRC Mining Week.

USAID INVEST is participating in the 19th edition of the DRC Mining Week which is being held in Lubumbashi, at the Pullman Grand Karavia Hotel, from June 12 to 14, 2024.

This Wednesday, at the opening of its meetings, a “Lunch on American investments in the mining sector of the DRC” was organized on the sidelines of Mining Week.

USAID/DRC Mission Director. John Dunlop recalled the USAID INVEST mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo and their long-established partnerships, while mentioning their involvement in mining week.

“In fact, the DRC is essential to ensure the future of us all.

It is ready to assume the role of a key country in the fight against climate change on a global scale.

It is essential to the transition to clean energy and to guaranteeing a sustainable future for all of us,” insisted John Dunlop.

He also highlighted the problem of the transition to clean energy in the DRC.

In order to fully realize its benefits, it is crucial to improve infrastructure to support mining operations and improve the overall governance of the sector.

In response to a question from the press on the benefits for the Congolese populations of the mining sector, John Dunlop recommends that all mining companies respect the texts every time.

“If there are mines that do not pay taxes, that do not follow the laws, that is a problem, because it does not benefit the Congolese,” he said.

Investment to mining operators

The United States, through the USAID structure, has launched, according to Director John Dunlop, a call for proposals as part of its “Trade and investment in Africa: critical minerals” project.

This project, funded to the tune of $20 million, aims to find innovative ideas to stimulate trade and investment in the DRC's mining sector.

“I am pleased to announce that we have received over forty concepts for over one hundred million dollars in funding.

“This is a strong signal of demand for U.S.-guaranteed funding to help responsible companies that want to work in the DRC’s critical minerals sector.”

ROK Metals, a Congolese factory specializing in the processing of copper cathodes in Likasi, has obtained two million dollars in funding from USAID for its investment in the Congolese private sector.

According to John Dunlop, these funds will allow the company to expand its activities to increase exports of copper cathodes and cobalt hydroxide to 600 tonnes per year.

These exports will be destined for the United States and various markets around the world.

What is USAID’s role in investment in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

On the sidelines of the DRC Mining Week, this Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Lubumbashi, the Director General of USAID INVEST, John Dunlop presented this organization as a whole, emphasizing its support and its actions in the Democratic Republic .

USAID INVEST encourages investment by local businesses in the DRCongo in order to promote inclusive growth.

She is involved in programs aimed at improving the living conditions of vulnerable populations, promoting health, education, access to drinking water, food security and responding to humanitarian needs in the event of a disaster. natural or conflict.

This American organization, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, intends to expand its network on multiple issues relating to critical minerals in the mining sector.

“We are increasing our focus on mining issues in this country and assuring everyone who wants to invest that there is an environment in the private sector that is fair and free of corruption.

mediacongo


View attachment 64793

“We are increasing our focus on mining issues in this country and assuring everyone who wants to invest that there is an environment in the private sector that is fair and free of corruption.


The only way that insane quote above could be remotely validated is if the dire predicament of AVZ is reversed, starting with ordering Manono lithium to stop violating / trespassing on our tenement ASAP !!!

Words are cheap and pathetic, ..........

 

[cruiser51]

Li Qiang and Christopher Luxon in Wellington, New Zealand, yesterday. PHOTO: GETTY

Business talks on climate during Li visit​

Andrew Tillett

Foreign affairs correspondent
Chinese and Australian business chiefs will discuss deepening co-operation on climate change as part of high-level talks during the visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, despite global moves to lessen Beijing’s dominance in green technology.
Boosting ties in mining and energy, agriculture and services will also be high on the agenda for the seventh Australia-China CEO Roundtable in Perth on Tuesday.
The round table, facilitated by the Business Council of Australia (BCA), will bring together executives from 12 top companies from each country, before they present their findings to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Mr Li.
Australian CEOs attending will include Rio Tinto’s Kellie Parker, Wesfarmers’ Rob Scott, Fortescue’s Andrew Forrest and Qube’s Paul Digney. Other companies represented will include ANZ, BHP, BlueScope, Cochlear, Grain-Corp, King & Wood Mallesons, Monash University and Woodside.
Officials are tight-lipped on which Chinese firms will be represented, but they are expected to include a number of state-owned enterprises, including major conglomerate CITIC.
Key items on the agenda include how to create an attractive and competitive business environment for firms in both countries, and how China and Australia can deepen innovation and supply chains to jointly address global challenges such as climate change. ‘‘It’s the quality and depth of personal and business relationships that strengthens bilateral ties, and this roundtable provides an opportunity for businesses from both countries to come together and strengthen their linkages,’’ BCA chief executive Bran Black said.
‘‘More engagement is a positive thing and China is important to our economy and Australian jobs, providing a quarter of our trade, totalling almost $320 billion last year. The parameters of the bilateral relationship are, of course, set by governments, and it is then the job of businesses to work together within those guardrails to the fullest possible extent and this roundtable provides an important opportunity to help do just that.’’
Mr Li will arrive in Adelaide tomorrow. In New Zealand yesterday, he and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon oversaw the signing of agreements to build business ties.
Meanwhile, Deputy US Secretary of State Kurt Campbell revealed Mr Albanese would attend next month’s NATO summit in Washington. Dr Campbell said the leaders of the ‘‘Asia-Pacific 4’’, which includes Japan, South Korea and New Zealand, had been invited.

 

[Manook]

 

[JohnJoyce]

Fuck me, it’s like the CATH extensions that went on for a billion years. What a fucking shit show

 

[JohnJoyce]

“relatively small” being the new “imminent”

 

[Rediah]

 

[UtterMoron]

Locke tease is a real cock tease.

 

[CashKing]

Fuck me, it’s like the CATH extensions that went on for a billion years. What a fucking shit show

Would you rather them not extend ?

 

[Doc]

It’s the exclusivity part that troubles me. That mean AVZ cannot engage in talks with others while this is in effect? So come July 15th and if Locke say naaaa not for us then we have to start from scratch?

 

[Remark]

“relatively small” being the new “imminent”

Not now John, we've gotta get on with the show...

 

[Frank]

You would have to assume RioTinto would be up to date with the AVZ file?

​

Fyi, Sounds like Rio is still in with a chance in Serbia as they keep pushing their Jadar Lithium Project, as

Environmental studies show Serbian lithium project is safe, Rio Tinto says​

Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tinto said on Thursday newly published environmental studies showed that its Serbia lithium project, which was stopped in 2022 after massive protests, would be safe for the environment.

If implemented, the $2.4 billion Jadar lithium project in Western Serbia could cover 90% of Europe’s current lithium needs and help to make the company a leading lithium producer.

Lithium, largely used in batteries for electric vehicles (EV) and mobile devices, is regarded as a critical material by many major economies.

On Thursday, Rio’s Serbian unit made public several environmental studies conducted over the past six and a half years.

“Results of scientific research show that the Jadar project can be realized safely by respecting highest domestic and international environmental standards,” the company said in a statement.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in January authorities wanted to hold further talks with Rio about the project and welcomed public discussion on whether it should go ahead.

Just ahead of the country’s 2022 general elections, Serbian leaders revoked Rio’s license for the project, bowing to a 30,000-signature-petition from environmental groups and local communities.

Green activists say the mine will pollute water supply, causing more environmental damage in Serbia, already one of Europe’s most polluted countries.

Rio’s representative in Serbia, Marijanti Babic, said in Thursday’s statement that the company had published studies in order to “renew a public dialogue” about the project.

“These studies give an opportunity to local community and all interested parties to see for themselves what had been done so far.”

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, who took over last month after December’s parliamentary election, told state RTS TV that he was open to talks about resuming the project.

“I am expecting the answer from experts – if experts say no, then it is no, but they have to be aware of their responsibility,” Vucevic said.

“I believe it is possible to exploit natural resources and preserve nature’s wealth and people above all.

I think this (lithium project) is a historical chance.”

mining.com

 

[TLH]

View attachment 64832

I wish they wouldn’t release crap Ann’s on a Friday evening - could have been worse.
Still enough to wind up the AVZ brain.

 

[wombat74]

Fuck me, it’s like the CATH extensions that went on for a billion years. What a fucking shit show

Think about it . Locke would have walked already if it was a no go .

 

[Spikerama]

Not now John, we've gotta get on with the show...

Fuck all that, we've gotta get on with these.

 

[Stockinvesting]

Think about it . Locke would have walked already if it was a no go .

All it is, is a promise. They haven't walked away. So what.

It hasn't cost them a cent.

They can promise for the next 10 years. Means didley.

 

[BRICK]

Li Qiang and Christopher Luxon in Wellington, New Zealand, yesterday. PHOTO: GETTY

Business talks on climate during Li visit​

Andrew Tillett

Foreign affairs correspondent
Chinese and Australian business chiefs will discuss deepening co-operation on climate change as part of high-level talks during the visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, despite global moves to lessen Beijing’s dominance in green technology.
Boosting ties in mining and energy, agriculture and services will also be high on the agenda for the seventh Australia-China CEO Roundtable in Perth on Tuesday.
The round table, facilitated by the Business Council of Australia (BCA), will bring together executives from 12 top companies from each country, before they present their findings to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Mr Li.
Australian CEOs attending will include Rio Tinto’s Kellie Parker, Wesfarmers’ Rob Scott, Fortescue’s Andrew Forrest and Qube’s Paul Digney. Other companies represented will include ANZ, BHP, BlueScope, Cochlear, Grain-Corp, King & Wood Mallesons, Monash University and Woodside.
Officials are tight-lipped on which Chinese firms will be represented, but they are expected to include a number of state-owned enterprises, including major conglomerate CITIC.
Key items on the agenda include how to create an attractive and competitive business environment for firms in both countries, and how China and Australia can deepen innovation and supply chains to jointly address global challenges such as climate change. ‘‘It’s the quality and depth of personal and business relationships that strengthens bilateral ties, and this roundtable provides an opportunity for businesses from both countries to come together and strengthen their linkages,’’ BCA chief executive Bran Black said.
‘‘More engagement is a positive thing and China is important to our economy and Australian jobs, providing a quarter of our trade, totalling almost $320 billion last year. The parameters of the bilateral relationship are, of course, set by governments, and it is then the job of businesses to work together within those guardrails to the fullest possible extent and this roundtable provides an important opportunity to help do just that.’’
Mr Li will arrive in Adelaide tomorrow. In New Zealand yesterday, he and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon oversaw the signing of agreements to build business ties.
Meanwhile, Deputy US Secretary of State Kurt Campbell revealed Mr Albanese would attend next month’s NATO summit in Washington. Dr Campbell said the leaders of the ‘‘Asia-Pacific 4’’, which includes Japan, South Korea and New Zealand, had been invited.

If we were sheep fuckers, would they still be fucking us?

Sorry New Zealand , you know I do love you

 

[Schnitzelfresser]

There will be extension after extension...there will be no signing in my view. It is like Rattlerock on HC said...this is a tactic to show to have an option. After many months, please tell me what could be the "small issues". Only the final court decisions are left. So we wont have any finalisation in 2024 in my view. The DRC and Chinese are still fucking us over for the rest of the year and the BOD is happy month after month for receiving the paycheck.

And there will be no change with the new puppets in the DRC cabinet...