Back in 2024 since when Kobold Metals hold 80% stake in Zambia's Konkola West Project (aka Mingomba Copper mine) their president Mr. Josh Goldman once said:
where I think he is right.
It is mentioned Kobold already spent about 150-200million US dollars (expected to invest up to 2billion US dollar) to this project alone which has potential to be the worlds Top3 largest Copper mines (output) ... For this reason alone, Kobold Metals and ZiJin are competitors in (copper) mining industry. This year Kobold and its partner ZCCM Investments Holdings PLC want to start with drilling and sinking of shafts ...
Zambias Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development
Interestingly this project is also heavily affected by the success of the Lobito corridor (!) and futhermore Kobold has a big supporter in
Breakthrough Energy Ventures (ever heard of?) -->
Breakthrough Look Book // Profile and -->
Investors (Bezos + Gates again)
(PS: RioTinto also invested in AI based mining modelling tech. -->
GeologicAI Raises $44M Series B)
I think a lot parallels can be seen here and also the differences but it is pretty clear to me that Kobold Metals will need strong partners (probably locals included) to finance this project.
It is also a huge benefit from AVZ in having done so much drilling before and when it comes in the end that Kobold will hold the project then they are in timely comfortable situation in just feeding their modelling tech. with all the cores.
Feel free to look for "Kobold Metals Zambia allegations" in e.g. Google and KI replies ... it is not all gold (or copper or lithium).
(Sorry - I had a few minutes ...)