AVZ Discussion 2022

[Dave Evans]

The only party suspending and conceding anything is AVZ. The DRC is the respondent. Since when does the respondent (with a claim made against them) say, “oh okay we agree to suspend your case against us because we illegally cancelled your mining decree because you refused to let Cominiere violate your FROR, illegally terminate Dathcom, form a JV with Zijin that took over your camp, drill core library and areas where you drilled and obtained core assays, oh that’s right, and submitted your core assays under the pretence they were drilled by Zijin”

The DRC hasn’t suspended anything. The only parties that can suspend anything are the ones making the claims. Frankly after fighting for three years and finally being this close to arbitration after all the delaying tactics, I’m a little disgusted that Nigel’s let them off the hook.

I suppose not everyone would say, no fuck you, we’ll take you to the ICSID. If you want to sign the minerals for security deal in the meantime and get back to us, you’ve got our number, but don’t expect anyone to answer.

What do you reckon @Samus are you as sick of the corrupt cunts as me and they are still expecting AVZ to sweep the last three years under the carpet. Let the ICSID start and see if the fat cunt decides to catch an earlier plane to Washington.

I remember going back a year or two and I had a shot at @BEISHA for disrespectful comments on the fat turd because I thought that might go against us, but the fat fuck was corrupt all along,

Anyway, thats all just my opinion, shareholders can’t do anything to change the agreements that are in place, just remember those cunts didn’t agree, they went back to Simin Cong’s Fleuve Hotel and Cominiere headquarters to do what @Carlos Danger has been waiting three years to do

View attachment 85262

Just to add to that post @Spikerama so much for all the work you put into that counter of the penalties Cominiere owed us that now we won’t see, and all those people who thought the DRC wouldn’t have the money to pay what the ICSID determined was fair value might consider how much money the DRC is looking to make through its trillions in critical minerals and billions in investment from the US, UAE, EU and Saudi’s

DRC ICC Penalty Calculator 2.0

Calculates the amount of penalties the DRC has incurred since the first & 2nd violation of the ICC court ruling

drc-icc-penalty-counter-2.netlify.app

 

[JAG]

Following ICSID through to the end is a disaster. DRC will just ignore the ruling.

Shareholder returns:

ICSID = 2cents per share 10 years from now

Negotiated outcome = $1+ per share this year from Kobold.

Don't be disgusted with Nigel. He has done his best for shareholders. This is DRC, we all should have known the risks.

If you want to get on the dark web and do what you need to do to hold those who ripped us off accountable, then go for it.

F)k Of?

 

[Carlos Danger]

Deal is done imo

So will AVZ announce the ICSID is postponed ? Or do we figure that out for ourselves ?

I have a feeling that it won't be postponed.

AVZ proposed to DRC to suspend (as committed to in the joint announcement signed by Kobold and AVZ).
Both parties agreed.
Announced by ICSID that pursuant to the parties agreement to suspend, it's suspended until June 23rd, allegedly to facilitate discussions.

to do what Carlos Danger has been waiting three years to do

 

[Cenny]

Everything pointing to a deal finalised in June.

Nice position to be in finally. Big question now is the price.

Really hope it’s at least ath. Still don’t understand what Kobold can actually do with the mine if they purchase the rights. Surely would have to sell to a Rio, Ivanhoe etc to get mining.

 

[Xerof]

The only party suspending and conceding anything is AVZ. The DRC is the respondent. Since when does the respondent (with a claim made against them) say, “oh okay we agree to suspend your case against us because we illegally cancelled your mining decree because you refused to let Cominiere violate your FROR, illegally terminate Dathcom, form a JV with Zijin that took over your camp, drill core library and areas where you drilled and obtained core assays, oh that’s right, and submitted your core assays under the pretence they were drilled by Zijin”

The DRC hasn’t suspended anything. The only parties that can suspend anything are the ones making the claims. Frankly after fighting for three years and finally being this close to arbitration after all the delaying tactics, I’m a little disgusted that Nigel’s let them off the hook.

I suppose not everyone would say, no fuck you, we’ll take you to the ICSID. If you want to sign the minerals for security deal in the meantime and get back to us, you’ve got our number, but don’t expect anyone to answer.

What do you reckon @Samus are you as sick of the corrupt cunts as me and they are still expecting AVZ to sweep the last three years under the carpet. Let the ICSID start and see if the fat cunt decides to catch an earlier plane to Washington.

I remember going back a year or two and I had a shot at @BEISHA for disrespectful comments on the fat turd because I thought that might go against us, but the fat fuck was corrupt all along,

Anyway, thats all just my opinion, shareholders can’t do anything to change the agreements that are in place, just remember those cunts didn’t agree, they went back to Simin Cong’s Fleuve Hotel and Cominiere headquarters to do what @Carlos Danger has been waiting three years to do

View attachment 85262

I hear your pain Dave. In a perfect world, we'd all like to see the pricks have their day in court, but seems it's not on the list of things to do in order to get a deal done

You're right to say that Nige initiated the suspension, as he committed to do so in order to facilitate negotiations, in the Joint Statement made by him and Kobold weeks ago, but my point was only on process (not that DRC would say no, of course)

A lot of folks alluding to a deal already being done, perhaps it has been, I don't have my ear close to the ground these days.

I'll prepare some dead rats for 'IT' to swallow shall I?

 

[LOCKY82]

In some ways would love to take everyone to the cleaners through the courts, but to be totally honest I don't know if my mental health could deal with shenanigans or tactics whereby we don't see money for years and years
Hope it's a fair price that the board are confident it's the best we will get, they've been put through the ringer in fairness. I could do with the money now to get on with plans I've had and put this nightmare behind me. No more African investments for me thanks good luck to us all! Long fucking time coming

 

[Samus]

What do you reckon @Samus are you as sick of the corrupt cunts as me and they are still expecting AVZ to sweep the last three years under the carpet.

 

[Samus]

One thought is, the US hopefully can't start their minerals for security deal where they're saying they'll invest hundreds of billions for the betterment of the DRC without tolerating corruption by ripping off 20,000 Australian investors and not paying the 'fair value' they're carrying on about.
We're a pretty loud bunch, it's doubtful that'll go down too well.
Fair value should be derived from the DFS or better yet the updated DFS.

 

[Jongo]

Reminder from AVZ's 9-May announcement ...

 

[timb89]

I hear your pain Dave. In a perfect world, we'd all like to see the pricks have their day in court, but seems it's not on the list of things to do in order to get a deal done

You're right to say that Nige initiated the suspension, as he committed to do so in order to facilitate negotiations, in the Joint Statement made by him and Kobold weeks ago, but my point was only on process (not that DRC would say no, of course)

A lot of folks alluding to a deal already being done, perhaps it has been, I don't have my ear close to the ground these days.

I'll prepare some dead rats for 'IT' to swallow shall I?

I don't see what the big deal with suspension is? It's a month? A month for what appears to be the most consequential chance for reparations we've had in years.

We still have the chance to continue action. Which after the peace deal will only strengthen our position. US investors ain't touching Manono with AVZ hanging over it.

 

[Samus]

Here's a bit of a trip down memory lane and a reminder not to get too excited after all the shit we've been through. The state of play is about as clear as mud imo.

KoBold Seeks Lithium Stake in DRC’s Manono Amid Legal Dispute and Geopolitical Shifts​

May 9, 2025 Constance
KoBold Metals, a U.S.-based mining company backed by prominent investors including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, is intensifying efforts to secure rights to the Manono lithium deposit in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—a site widely regarded as a potential world-class lithium mine.
A January 2024 estimate suggests Manono holds 669 million tonnes of resources with an average grade of 1.61% lithium.
On May 6, 2025, KoBold and Australia’s AVZ Minerals issued a joint statement titled Developing Manono for Peace and Prosperity, signed by their CEOs, Kurt House and Nigel Ferguson.
The companies announced they had agreed on a commercial framework to expedite development of the Manono deposit.
According to the statement, “this framework provides for AVZ to cede its commercial interests in the Manono lithium deposit to KoBold, at fair value,” enabling KoBold to rapidly mobilize over $1 billion to bring Manono’s lithium to Western markets.
However, the Congolese government maintains that AVZ no longer holds any rights to Manono, asserting those rights were lost when state-owned Cominière terminated its partnership with AVZ in 2022.
AVZ has contested this before the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), where it has already won a ruling ordering Cominière to pay €39.1 million for failing to comply with injunctions. The tribunal has yet to decide on the fundamental ownership dispute.
KoBold’s January proposal aims to resolve the standoff by compensating AVZ in exchange for relinquishing its claims to Manono. The company plans to develop the southern section of the deposit, while the northern portion remains under the control of Chinese group Zijin Mining.
Manono Lithium SAS—a joint venture 61% owned by Zijin (via Jinxiang Lithium) and 39% by Cominière—was granted an operating permit in September 2024. It aims to begin lithium production in the first quarter of 2026.
An Appeal for Peace and Economic Growth
So far, the Congolese government has not officially responded to KoBold’s proposal. The May 6 statement hints at a lack of approval, noting that AVZ has committed to propose a temporary suspension of arbitration proceedings at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) to allow space for negotiations.
KoBold and AVZ appear to be leveraging the current improvement in U.S.-DRC relations. The statement emphasizes cooperation with all stakeholders, including the U.S. and Congolese governments and AVZ’s current development partner.
Framing their offer as a contribution to “peace and prosperity,” the companies promise thousands of well-paying Congolese jobs over several decades.
This diplomatic and commercial initiative comes as Kinshasa and Washington deepen their engagement.
Recently, the DRC proposed a mining agreement to the Trump administration in exchange for support in resolving the conflict in Eastern Congo.
Since then, mining has featured prominently in bilateral discussions, with Washington playing an active role in mediation efforts.
“A lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo will open the door to greater U.S. and Western investment, creating an ecosystem conducive to responsible and reliable critical mineral supply chains,” said U.S.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on April 25, 2025, during the signing of a declaration of principles for a peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda—considered a key supporter of the M23 rebellion.

KoBold Seeks Lithium Stake in DRC’s Manono Amid Legal Dispute and Geopolitical Shifts - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

KoBold Metals, a U.S.-based mining company backed by prominent investors including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, is intensifying efforts to secure rights to the

copperbeltkatangamining.com

 

[BRICK]

I don't see what the big deal with suspension is? It's a month? A month for what appears to be the most consequential chance for reparations we've had in years.

We still have the chance to continue action. Which after the peace deal will only strengthen our position. US investors ain't touching Manono with AVZ hanging over it.

Jesus, where have you been Timmy??

 

[Bonsoir]

Here's a bit of a trip down memory lane and a reminder not to get too excited after all the shit we've been through. The state of play is about as clear as mud imo.

KoBold Seeks Lithium Stake in DRC’s Manono Amid Legal Dispute and Geopolitical Shifts​

May 9, 2025 Constance
KoBold Metals, a U.S.-based mining company backed by prominent investors including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, is intensifying efforts to secure rights to the Manono lithium deposit in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—a site widely regarded as a potential world-class lithium mine.
A January 2024 estimate suggests Manono holds 669 million tonnes of resources with an average grade of 1.61% lithium.
On May 6, 2025, KoBold and Australia’s AVZ Minerals issued a joint statement titled Developing Manono for Peace and Prosperity, signed by their CEOs, Kurt House and Nigel Ferguson.
The companies announced they had agreed on a commercial framework to expedite development of the Manono deposit.
According to the statement, “this framework provides for AVZ to cede its commercial interests in the Manono lithium deposit to KoBold, at fair value,” enabling KoBold to rapidly mobilize over $1 billion to bring Manono’s lithium to Western markets.
However, the Congolese government maintains that AVZ no longer holds any rights to Manono, asserting those rights were lost when state-owned Cominière terminated its partnership with AVZ in 2022.
AVZ has contested this before the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), where it has already won a ruling ordering Cominière to pay €39.1 million for failing to comply with injunctions. The tribunal has yet to decide on the fundamental ownership dispute.
KoBold’s January proposal aims to resolve the standoff by compensating AVZ in exchange for relinquishing its claims to Manono. The company plans to develop the southern section of the deposit, while the northern portion remains under the control of Chinese group Zijin Mining.
Manono Lithium SAS—a joint venture 61% owned by Zijin (via Jinxiang Lithium) and 39% by Cominière—was granted an operating permit in September 2024. It aims to begin lithium production in the first quarter of 2026.
An Appeal for Peace and Economic Growth
So far, the Congolese government has not officially responded to KoBold’s proposal. The May 6 statement hints at a lack of approval, noting that AVZ has committed to propose a temporary suspension of arbitration proceedings at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) to allow space for negotiations.
KoBold and AVZ appear to be leveraging the current improvement in U.S.-DRC relations. The statement emphasizes cooperation with all stakeholders, including the U.S. and Congolese governments and AVZ’s current development partner.
Framing their offer as a contribution to “peace and prosperity,” the companies promise thousands of well-paying Congolese jobs over several decades.
This diplomatic and commercial initiative comes as Kinshasa and Washington deepen their engagement.
Recently, the DRC proposed a mining agreement to the Trump administration in exchange for support in resolving the conflict in Eastern Congo.
Since then, mining has featured prominently in bilateral discussions, with Washington playing an active role in mediation efforts.
“A lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo will open the door to greater U.S. and Western investment, creating an ecosystem conducive to responsible and reliable critical mineral supply chains,” said U.S.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on April 25, 2025, during the signing of a declaration of principles for a peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda—considered a key supporter of the M23 rebellion.

KoBold Seeks Lithium Stake in DRC’s Manono Amid Legal Dispute and Geopolitical Shifts - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

KoBold Metals, a U.S.-based mining company backed by prominent investors including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, is intensifying efforts to secure rights to the

copperbeltkatangamining.com

“However, the Congolese government maintains that AVZ no longer holds any rights to Manono, asserting those rights were lost when state-owned Cominière terminated its partnership with AVZ in 2022.”

Congolese Government, dumber than dumb corrupt liars, expose the scum to the world.

 

[Flight996]

You are all right, totally right.

We have been fucked over by the DRC, the Chinese, our own DRC lawyers and even the Australian government for almost three years, but this is now the end-game.

We have the DRC on the ropes, a willing buyer (KoBold), DLA Piper in our corner, potentially other suitors running the numbers, the Trump administration bankrolling the bigger regional economic and security initiatives, and CATH funding a continuance of ICSID arbitrations if required. We are in a good position.

Think Dan Ackroid (Blues Bros, 1980) who said "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark... and we're wearing sunglasses". Well, that's us.

Buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Cheers
F

 

[Charbella]

I believe it’s essentially done, we’re just waiting for the formalities, namely the peace deal to be signed and the acquisition of the world’s largest hard rock lithium mine to be announced as a flagship win for critical minerals.

When it comes to price, it’s important to remember that our largest shareholders are the Chinese. Nigel needs their sign-off to get this over the line. They’ve lost the mine, the supply chain, and arguably face. The only thing that could bring them to the table now is the right price. Otherwise, what incentive would they have to agree?

 

[oxxa23]

I believe it’s essentially done, we’re just waiting for the formalities, namely the peace deal to be signed and the acquisition of the world’s largest hard rock lithium mine to be announced as a flagship win for critical minerals.

When it comes to price, it’s important to remember that our largest shareholders are the Chinese. Nigel needs their sign-off to get this over the line. They’ve lost the mine, the supply chain, and arguably face. The only thing that could bring them to the table now is the right price. Otherwise, what incentive would they have to agree?

it's not confirmed that we shareholders have to agree to anything... we may not get a vote... but, i hope the price is also right...

 

[Charbella]

it's not confirmed that we shareholders have to agree to anything... we may not get a vote... but, i hope the price is also right...

Whether the ordinary shareholders vote or not is ultimately irrelevant. Nigel can’t make this decision alone. He needs the approval of the major shareholders, especially the Chinese, who hold the largest stake.

 

[Samus]

Whether the ordinary shareholders vote or not is ultimately irrelevant. Nigel can’t make this decision alone. He needs the approval of the major shareholders, especially the Chinese, who hold the largest stake.

Let's hope it's not up to Chinese, the Chinese entity (CCP) have already stolen half of our deposit and the rest of them presumably have to do what the CCP says or get disappeared.

 

[KentCStrait]

Whether the ordinary shareholders vote or not is ultimately irrelevant. Nigel can’t make this decision alone. He needs the approval of the major shareholders, especially the Chinese, who hold the largest stake.

This is both incorrect and fear mongering. This is not a buyout of the company we hold shares in. An asset the company we hold is being sold. And even then it's not really an asset. What's then done with the proceeds of that sale will likely require a special general meeting and a vote by shareholders but to suggest the Chinese have a say is flat out wrong.

 

[ptlas]

It's interesting how many posts appear when folks are optimistic ( many ) and how few when the mood is down
ATM, they're thick and fast.

Nothing has changed except somebody has probably told NF that they are relatively close to closing this whole sorry saga. Give us another month, we're really, really close.

What has changed is the mood, people believe we've agreed a price etc, etc.
A little like believing in the tooth fairy.
Point is, nobody knows until it happens that it's true / exists. Until then, it's hope, hope that we all share.

How many months will they ask for ICSID postponement? Do you expect KoBold and DRC to act in good faith towards AVZ?
A slightly different point, we have all seen how Putin has stalled Trump. Why will this necessarily be different?

Felix and the rest of his cronies have a primary interest that encompasses staying out of gaol, staying in power and collecting paper bags.
Maybe these aims necessitate dancing to the US tune. Maybe they don't, and the head honchos disappear to Saudi, China or somewhere equally dodgy, but only when they need to. Very few of these corrupt leaders ever see the inside of a court room, let alone a prison.

My simple point is that this has been, for me, an eight year shit show and it it still is.
Nothing is resolved, and until it is; or we get concrete signs that it is, then nothing has changed.
Concrete signs are AVZ, and only AVZ announcements.
I just think that this shit had gone on for so long, that we should not think that we're out of the woods until we can no longer see any trees.
AIMO.

3000 pages.