Below posted by Kiki on X
Expects to hear further updates after the 27th
June 23, 2025 is the deadline for the suspension of ICSID arbitration.
In brief, the international arbitration dispute and Agreement $AVZ – @KoBold_Metals on the Manono lithium project between AVZ, #COMINIERE and ZIJIN.
1. Legal victories in March 2025.
On March 10, 2025, the Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) ruled in favor of @AvzMinerals .
It upheld previous injunctions, ordering the Congolese state-owned company COMINIERE to pay 39.1 million € for failing to comply with these injunctions, in particular by dividing and transferring the permit to Manono Lithium SAS (joint venture #Zijin –COMINIERE).
AVZ is now exploring ways to recover this amount.
2. Suspension of arbitration for a negotiated outcome
On May 26, 2025, as part of a framework agreement sealed with KoBold Metals (backed by Bill Gates & Jeff Bezos), AVZ decided to temporarily suspend its ICSID proceedings against the DRC, in the hope of an amicable settlement.
This suspension is effective until June 23, 2025.
3. Geopolitical dimension and American stakes
The Manono case has acquired a strong strategic dimension: Washington wishes to limit Chinese influence in the critical minerals sector, and supports the AVZ–KoBold agreement to secure the southern part (Roche Dure) of the deposit through a takeover by an American entity.
AVZ also won a partial ICSID ruling against the Congolese state to obtain the license's return, and plans to suspend these actions if a solid agreement is reached.
4. Upcoming deadlines
June 23, 2025: Deadline for suspension of ICSID arbitration – watch closely to see if an amicable resolution is reached.
The framework agreement with KoBold, if finalized, would include: financial compensation to AVZ, acquisition of AVZ shares by KoBold, and obtaining a permit for the southern area of the deposit.
In summary
AVZ won its legal case (39.1 M € penalty payment).
The case is now moving towards an amicable settlement through the AVZ–KoBold partnership, facilitated by the United States.
The future will clearly depend on the outcome of the framework agreement by the end of June 2025, and on Kinshasa's acceptance of a coordinated deal.
AVZ – KoBold Metals agreement (May 2025)
Elements Details Actors AVZ Minerals (Australia) and KoBold Metals (USA, supported by Gates, Bezos, B. Gates Foundation, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, etc.)
Purpose Partial or total acquisition of AVZ's interests in the Manono lithium project, in particular the southern part known as "Roche Dure" Purpose To remove AVZ from the dispute with the DRC, secure a solid technological and financial partner, advance the exploitation of the deposit Terms Payment to AVZ, resumption of its rights via KoBold, negotiation with Kinshasa for the granting of a new independent mining permit for the southern part Key condition Suspension of the ICSID arbitration until June 23, 2025 to give a chance to a political and administrative resolution with the Congolese government
Stakes: AVZ cedes control but remains involved as an intermediary. KoBold offers the geopolitical and financial guarantees that Kinshasa seeks in the face of the Chinese option (Zijin).
US Strategy in Critical Minerals
Main objectives:
Reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains, particularly for lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper.
Secure strategic reserves through partnerships with resource-rich countries (such as the DRC, Chile, Australia, etc.).
Supporting American tech champions like KoBold Metals, which combine AI, mining exploration and long-term capital.
Instruments used:
KoBold Metals acts as an "offensive player" supported by US tech giants and investment funds.
The U.S. government is providing discreet diplomatic support to KoBold in negotiations with Congolese authorities.
Support through green financing mechanisms and energy transition initiatives (USAID, DFC, etc.).
In Manono's case:
The northern part of the deposit is under the control of Zijin Mining (China), via Manono Lithium SAS.
The southern part, more promising in terms of volume and quality, could be granted to KoBold if the agreement goes through.
The United States hopes to break the Chinese monopoly on this emblematic project.
Manono thus becomes a major geopolitical symbol: AVZ gives in to powers, and the two superpowers (USA vs China) confront each other through proxy companies on the same African mining site.
Kiki #Kienge
@MinMinesRDC @kizpaka @Presidence_RDC @realDonaldTrump @US_SrAdvisorAF @USAmbDRC
