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KIKI KIENGE
@KiengeKki
Translated by GrokShow original
#Mines_Lithium_RDC June 23, 2025, is the deadline for the suspension of ICSID arbitration. In brief, the international arbitration dispute and
$AVZ –
@KoBold_Metals
agreement on the Manono lithium project between AVZ,
#COMINIERE, and ZIJIN. 1. Legal victories in March 2025. On March 10, 2025, the International Chamber of Commerce Arbitration Court (ICC) ruled in favor of
@AvzMinerals
. It upheld previous injunctions, ordering the Congolese public company COMINIERE to pay €39.1 million for failing to comply with these injunctions, particularly for splitting and transferring the permit to Manono Lithium SAS (a
#Zijin–COMINIERE joint venture). 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 signed with KoBold Metals (backed by Bill Gates & Jeff Bezos), AVZ decided to temporarily suspend its ICSID proceedings against the DRC, hoping for an amicable settlement. This suspension is effective until June 23, 2025.
3. Geopolitical dimension and U.S. stakes The Manono case has gained significant strategic importance: Washington seeks to limit Chinese influence in the critical minerals sector and supports the AVZ–KoBold agreement to secure the southern part (Hard Rock) of the deposit through a takeover by an American entity. AVZ also secured a partial decision with ICSID against the Congolese state to recover the permit and is considering suspending these actions if a robust agreement progresses.
4. Upcoming deadlines June 23, 2025: deadline for the suspension of ICSID arbitration – closely watch to see if an amicable resolution is reached. The framework agreement with KoBold, if finalized, would include: financial compensation for AVZ, acquisition of AVZ’s shares by KoBold, and obtaining a permit for the southern zone of the deposit. In summary AVZ has prevailed legally (€39.1 million in penalties).
The case is moving toward an amicable settlement through the AVZ–KoBold partnership, supported by the United States.
The outcome will clearly depend on the framework agreement’s resolution by the end of June 2025 and Kinshasa’s acceptance of a coordinated deal. AVZ – KoBold Metals Agreement (May 2025) Elements Details Actors AVZ Minerals (Australia) and KoBold Metals (USA, backed by Gates, Bezos, B. Gates Foundation, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, etc.) Objective Partial or full acquisition of AVZ’s interests in the Manono lithium project, particularly the southern part known as “Hard Rock” Purpose Resolve AVZ’s dispute with the DRC, secure a strong technological and financial partner, advance the deposit’s exploitation Terms Payment to AVZ, transfer of its rights to KoBold, negotiation with Kinshasa for the issuance of a new independent mining permit for the southern part Key Condition Suspension of ICSID arbitration until June 23, 2025, to allow for a political and administrative resolution with the Congolese government Stakes: AVZ steps back but remains involved as an intermediary. KoBold offers the geopolitical and financial assurances Kinshasa seeks as an alternative to the Chinese option (Zijin). U.S. Strategy in Critical Minerals Main
Objectives: Reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains, particularly for lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper. Secure strategic reserves through partnerships with resource-rich countries (such as the DRC, Chile, Australia, etc.). Support American technological champions like KoBold Metals, which combine AI, mining exploration, and long-term capital. Instruments Used: KoBold Metals acts as an “offensive player” backed by tech giants and U.S. investment funds. The U.S. government provides discreet diplomatic support to KoBold in negotiations with Congolese authorities. Support through green financing mechanisms and energy transition initiatives (USAID, DFC, etc.).
In the case of Manono: The northern part of the deposit is controlled by Zijin Mining (China) through Manono Lithium SAS. The southern part, more promising in volume and quality, could be granted to KoBold if the agreement succeeds. The United States aims to break the Chinese monopoly on this iconic project. Manono has thus become a major geopolitical symbol: AVZ yields to greater powers, and the two superpowers (USA vs. China) compete through proxy companies on the same African mining site. Kiki
#Kienge
@MinMinesRDC
@kizpaka
@Presidence_RDC
@realDonaldTrump
@US_SrAdvisorAF
@USAmbDRC
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2:19 AM · Jun 24, 2025
zijin 
) as long as people aren't to arrogant/dumb to take it
