AVZ Discussion 2022

[Woogr]

I think a greater majority than normal are this evening, including me

Yeah, me too! Probably tomorrow as well!

 

[Juba1845]

The bottom line is China will not allow AVZ the Mining License or control of this project . As was stated by Zijin in their news report last year . The ICC will have little effect . The decision still comes back to the Corrupted officials who are under Chinese control . Nigel realises he is helpless by mentioning Embassy assistance. The system is corrupt to the core from the top down including the President.

 

[aon]

View attachment 33373
Is this the Ann Deboss was referring to? Mildly took me by surprise given the social media trail.

Nah, it means nothing, anyone talking in riddles probably hasn't got a clue either (hope I'm proven wrong) DBs got a nice car or 2 thou , undoubtedly he's closer to the source than most but the chief seems to be not much wiser than the rest of us.
Let's face it, the Congo (sry drc) is treating us ALL like their bitch.

 

[ptlas]

They are stepping up the negative tone to drive home to FT etc just how bad an impact these shenanigans have on business confidence in DRC.

Ultimately, Manono is huge, but DRC ain't gonna be transformed from this project alone. Letting Zijin and partners steal project is BAD for development of DRC. But equally, for DRC to themselves try and now steal back more of the project would be bad for business confidence in DRC. Maybe they get more? Maybe it stalls the project more? But it sure as hell would be another kick in the nuts to anyone else looking for a positive business relationship with the DRC.

Our offer to DRC - throwing in equity in AVZ - is generous enough that I don't think they're going to try and screw more out of us.

All the communications now is about driving home the point that what's holding the project up now isn't just a little administrative confusion or minor quibiling, but straight up shit-fukery from dodgy actors with zero regard for local laws or people. With every TV interview, every article, that becomes a little clearer. Great to hear AVZ calling it out properly, and great to hear embassy(ies) are getting involved.

Great post.

I've been banging on about US influence for a while now, they are on it.

Knowing a little about how these things work, I have NO DOUBT that western powers are colluding to FUck over these robbing cunts.
This is about control of the world lithium market and the Western Alliance has woken up and ain't giving up.

TWELVE FUCKING DOLLARS

BTW please ignore any more rants tonight. I'm fucking hammered but on the subject of Schrödinger's cat, I'm feeling both dead and alive-not to mention a little decayed.

Apologies for any typos.

 

[bloke383]

Yeah I understand that problem with cami.

I'm worried about this parts:

"The Company is concerned that the continued activity of the hostile non-state actors may influence the decisions of the key authorities in DRC in a manner that is contrary to applicable law and materially adverse to the interests of the Company"

"...DRC Government are not leaked prior to resolving the prevailing uncertainty with regards to the mining and exploration rights for the Manono Project."

When i read this i get the thought that our company is not sure if they will lose the project.

materially adverse.. a other german translation is significantly damages. Jesus I think there is only one way of a significantly damage, losing that shit -.-

Or what is your interpretation?

I'm worried about this parts:
"The Company is concerned that the continued activity of the hostile non-state actors may influence the decisions of the key authorities in DRC in a manner that is contrary to applicable law and materially adverse to the interests of the Company"

We've known this for the longest time . Any percentage loss to Zinjin or reduction in tenement size , both being a result of unscrupulous means was always going to have a material effect on our company/share price .
As to AVZ losing the project completely .... AVZ would lodge cases with the ICC that quickly the DRC govt wouldn't know what hit them .... especially now it's there in black & white that other countries/embassies are behind us .
For the longest time I've felt that we have been fighting for this by ourselves . Is this project significant enough for other countries to be even interested ? I've always hoped the visits by the officials from the USA , EU etc would be discussing our plight , but there has never been a mention of AVZ ... barely a mention of lithium . So as far as I'm concerned it's great to see it in black and white that we have other countries fighting with us as well .
This can't drag on much longer . FT has an election to win . He wants the DRC to be a world class battery manufacturer of large scale . The DRC have most of the minerals required . Are they really going to source the lithium from overseas if they can't mine the worlds largest high grade lithium deposit they have in their own backyard , because of ICC cases delaying it's development ?

 

[Mr Inappropriate]

Fuck you pricks, having a drink, I’m still doing night shift due this shit show, prob good thing can’t drink

I’m drinking Lime Cordiale tonight.

 

[ptlas]

I'm worried about this parts:
"The Company is concerned that the continued activity of the hostile non-state actors may influence the decisions of the key authorities in DRC in a manner that is contrary to applicable law and materially adverse to the interests of the Company"

We've known this for the longest time . Any percentage loss to Zinjin or reduction in tenement size , both being a result of unscrupulous means was always going to have a material effect on our company/share price .
As to AVZ losing the project completely .... AVZ would lodge cases with the ICC that quickly the DRC govt wouldn't know what hit them .... especially now it's there in black & white that other countries/embassies are behind us .
For the longest time I've felt that we have been fighting for this by ourselves . Is this project significant enough for other countries to be even interested ? I've always hoped the visits by the officials from the USA , EU etc would be discussing our plight , but there has never been a mention of AVZ ... barely a mention of lithium . So as far as I'm concerned it's great to see it in black and white that we have other countries fighting with us as well .
This can't drag on much longer . FT has an election to win . He wants the DRC to be a world class battery manufacturer of large scale . The DRC have most of the minerals required . Are they really going to source the lithium from overseas if they can't mine the worlds largest high grade lithium deposit they have in their own backyard , because of ICC cases delaying it's development ?

Diplomacy.

They will be leaning on FT & DRC

 

[Bray]

Nah, it means nothing, anyone talking in riddles probably hasn't got a clue either (hope I'm proven wrong) DBs got a nice car or 2 thou , yeah undoubtedly he's closer to the source than most but the chief seems to be not much wiser than the rest of us.
Let's face it, the Congo (sry drc) is treating us ALL like their bitch.

And they wonder why they are still 3rd world country

Too many jammos downed.. time to log off gonna be few mantle competitors tonight I reckon

 

[j.l]

They are stepping up the negative tone to drive home to FT etc just how bad an impact these shenanigans have on business confidence in DRC.

Ultimately, Manono is huge, but DRC ain't gonna be transformed from this project alone. Letting Zijin and partners steal project is BAD for development of DRC. But equally, for DRC to themselves try and now steal back more of the project would be bad for business confidence in DRC. Maybe they get more? Maybe it stalls the project more? But it sure as hell would be another kick in the nuts to anyone else looking for a positive business relationship with the DRC.

Our offer to DRC - throwing in equity in AVZ - is generous enough that I don't think they're going to try and screw more out of us.

All the communications now is about driving home the point that what's holding the project up now isn't just a little administrative confusion or minor quibiling, but straight up shit-fukery from dodgy actors with zero regard for local laws or people. With every TV interview, every article, that becomes a little clearer. Great to hear AVZ calling it out properly, and great to hear embassy(ies) are getting involved.

With regard to the comments about "non-state actors", are we seeing a shift in the narrative from AVZ?

They're no longer dealing with the "competent authorities", now they're battling criminals.

Interesting that this change comes after the supposed reshuffle of the cabinet, in which those who were fingered by IGF went unscathed.

Since everyone is having a glass or two tonight:

Glass half full theory - the negotiations have reached a point where the focus can now shift from winning over the government to beating the crooks.

Glass half empty theory - things have gone badly with the authorities and the BOD are shifting the narrative to criminal behaviours as the excuse for an impending disaster (similar to the CDL mica story)

 

[Onthefm]

I'm worried about this parts:
"The Company is concerned that the continued activity of the hostile non-state actors may influence the decisions of the key authorities in DRC in a manner that is contrary to applicable law and materially adverse to the interests of the Company"

We've known this for the longest time . Any percentage loss to Zinjin or reduction in tenement size , both being a result of unscrupulous means was always going to have a material effect on our company/share price .
As to AVZ losing the project completely .... AVZ would lodge cases with the ICC that quickly the DRC govt wouldn't know what hit them .... especially now it's there in black & white that other countries/embassies are behind us .
For the longest time I've felt that we have been fighting for this by ourselves . Is this project significant enough for other countries to be even interested ? I've always hoped the visits by the officials from the USA , EU etc would be discussing our plight , but there has never been a mention of AVZ ... barely a mention of lithium . So as far as I'm concerned it's great to see it in black and white that we have other countries fighting with us as well .
This can't drag on much longer . FT has an election to win . He wants the DRC to be a world class battery manufacturer of large scale . The DRC have most of the minerals required . Are they really going to source the lithium from overseas if they can't mine the worlds largest high grade lithium deposit they have in their own backyard , because of ICC cases delaying it's development ?

Other countries fighting for us straight from the grande poo bar THE NIGE . Well you'd definitely believe it then . Similar to talking to the highest echelons of government that we have a strong relationship with. That has been sprouted for the last 2/3 years. All bulshit. To pissed off , slutted , angry to get on the piss unfortunately. And that cock sucker geo. What a fucking numnutted wanker. Best bod on the asx . Sums up the whole fucken shitshow actually. Fucken clowns. What a fucken disgrace these charlatans are.

 

[patienceisking]

Hi my AVZ fellows, long term holder here (6yrs) but mainly only doing supplimentary reading on TSE. I'm as frustrated as all of you and there's been too many ups and downs from page 758 to 1370 which none of us good spirit people deserve to be honest. The only good and consistently good thing I see here is we are united and share information on daily if not hourly basis, i know we don't have much of a choice, but still, this is precious, and that's the only way to be informed and keep the hope up during this difficult time. So whatever the end saga is, i'm so glad to know you guys here, everyone contributing here is a hero

my take on today's announcement is neutral. reason i rate it this way is because although previous announcements were all reading confident and positive, we LTH always know it's sugarcoated and never looking that good, so this time, they decided to use the raw language to give us an idea about the raw situation at the moment, which, might be a bit bitter to swallow tonight, but I rather see that kinda blunt communication than some meaningless bs.

there's a little more I'd like to share with you guys, I was actually born in China but spend half of my life in Australia now (in my 30's), i fully understand the attacks on China which I was doing some times myself too tbh , but it's quite complicated, just like in DRC, we have the villains but we also have the kikis and francks, and although Zijin is a dh, we also have CATH, huayou and all that on our side (i hope they are not enermies within ) anyway, i've also been keeping an eye on the chinese internet domain for news, it's very limited and mostly are pro-zijin (mostly paid i reckon), if there's anything of value i'd share it here

the situation is pretty complicated now, it went from AVZ vs Zijin to AVZ vs the dark force which is Zijin + DRC gov in my view, from what we have observed over the last few months this country surely pays a little respect to its own code, law and has very minimal interest to the wellbeing of its people - it's all about personal wealth and political gains. i personally think the utmost important thing is to get all stakeholders back on the same table and work out anything that's not too unfavourable to us to get the ball rolling, as some said here, it's either 1c or $12

Cheers,

 

[Samus]

The bottom line is China will not allow AVZ the Mining License or control of this project . As was stated by Zijin in their news report last year . The ICC will have little effect . The decision still comes back to the Corrupted officials who are under Chinese control . Nigel realises he is helpless by mentioning Embassy assistance. The system is corrupt to the core from the top down including the President.

Yeah I dunno that all sounds overtly negative.

 

[CashKing]

IMV unfortunately for us patient SHldrs, Ferguson's usually upbeat "she'll be right mate" gung-ho manner has led SHldrs over more recent times to believe that the ML was just a matter of time, it's difficult but it's in hand. It appears however to becoming increasingly clear that he hasn't quite had the ear of those that make the decisions that can affect such a positive outcome, even when taking into account all the shit that has been flying around being exposed, he still appears to be failing to gain favour from the very top of gov.

I also wonder is this now NF paving the way for potential failure in getting the ML, "previously confident".

Let's face it, if he NF is unable after all the corruption that has now been exposed relating to the MOM, MOP and others for all to see Including Felix al Presidente and yet we are still on shaky ground, one has little choice but to wonder what really is Felix's agenda...... maybe it's all just "oh shit I didn't realise my government ministers were dodgy, grubby and unfairly shafting you" oh what am I going to do?......

Your fg job! fix it, stop leaving it to every man and his dog to fix, this total shit show is on your watch, which means it's your responsibility to sort!

Rant over (apol) getting pissed like most at this endless loop of crap. I realise Felix doesn't even know what his ministers are up to, his words of cleaning up corruption are simply empty words/BS and mean as little as mine.

IMO Mate it could be because if they decide to sell out due to this BS at whatever price and let’s hope it’s a “Just Outcome” most of us will do very well, so possibly Nigel just priming us for what’s to come and hey it’s out of our control but BOD have millions of shares they will want a “Just Outcome” as they worded it…

You think Nige & BOD will just let this all fall over with 50million ish shares ???? Even at $1 he’s still FUCKING WINNING

Pretty sure they cannot just take it back from AVZ are they are the ones that made all this happen…

That would be the biggest Steal in history and would not look good for DRC…

Fuck the rest of the conspiracy theories over the next month again I’m going with my gut… NF HAS 50millions reasons to get at least a $2 a share on a poxy TO

Manono is worth BILLIONS

 

[CashKing]

I’m drinking Lime Cordiale tonight.

That’s very inappropriate mate…

 

[The Fox]

They are stepping up the negative tone to drive home to FT etc just how bad an impact these shenanigans have on business confidence in DRC.

Ultimately, Manono is huge, but DRC ain't gonna be transformed from this project alone. Letting Zijin and partners steal project is BAD for development of DRC. But equally, for DRC to themselves try and now steal back more of the project would be bad for business confidence in DRC. Maybe they get more? Maybe it stalls the project more? But it sure as hell would be another kick in the nuts to anyone else looking for a positive business relationship with the DRC.

Our offer to DRC - throwing in equity in AVZ - is generous enough that I don't think they're going to try and screw more out of us.

All the communications now is about driving home the point that what's holding the project up now isn't just a little administrative confusion or minor quibiling, but straight up shit-fukery from dodgy actors with zero regard for local laws or people. With every TV interview, every article, that becomes a little clearer. Great to hear AVZ calling it out properly, and great to hear embassy(ies) are getting involved.

Thank you for your well thought out and valuable comments mate, such rarity here on TSE in recent times.

 

[Frank]

I know a large chunk of Aussies don't think much of religious organisations, but you need to understand that for every dickhead exposed in the media for doing something bad, there are another 100 people doing something good for the better of the community because they care.

Here on the Gold Coast there are multiple groups ensuring the homeless can get a free hot meal every night of the week at multiple locations around the place.

They put together teams to help clean up after the floods.

The have renovated community centres out of their own funds for non-religions groups so they can better serve the community.

One church bought a house, renovated it with a bunch of bedrooms and then handed it over to the salvos to run as a safe place for homeless expectant mothers who had no where to go. For free, while covering the running costs.

There are stacks more things like this that are funded by the churches, not government money.

The same goes over in DRC. The churches are there from the Belgium days. They aren't rich but do care about the people in the community and have a good idea what's going on in the area. So if they see something that will greatly benefit the community and drag them out of the absolute poverty which is all around them, they will push for it.

*Fyi Bob, Speaking of "Religion / Churches" did you see where,

Lithium – Manono: AVZ Minerals and Cominière SA for dialogue

Civil society in Manono, in the province of Tanganyika, is concerned about the tension that persists between AVZ Minerals and Cominière SA.

For nearly a year, the violins no longer agreed between these two partner companies in the exploitation of Lithium in Manono.

They accused each other in particular of opacity.

As a result, the Minister of Mines canceled the operating permit for Lithium P 13259 a few months ago.

However, it was already issued to Dathcom, a joint venture between Cominière, a state-owned company, and AVZ Minerals, a company listed on the Australian stock exchange.

This Wednesday, civil society brought around a table the delegates of two partners for a dialogue.

Whether civil society organizations in Manono or churches, everyone is worried.

The conflict between the two partner companies constitutes an obstacle for the development of Manono.

Indeed, in May 2022, the Minister of Mines, Mrs. Antoinette N’samba Kalambay signed the exploitation permit of Dathcom Mining SA for the exploitation of Lithium in Manono.

But since then, the exploitation of this strategic mineral has still not started in Manono.

Manono Civil Society Mediation

In view of this situation, the civil society of Manono decided to play the role of mediator in this conflict.

Father Moïse Kiluba, president of this civic structure, was accompanied in this process by Monsignor Vincent de Paul, Bishop of Manono.

Also, the Methodist Church has delegated Bishop Guy Mande.

After meetings, this Wednesday, the civil society as well as the two religious leaders gathered in Lubumbashi the delegates of the two parties.

The Acting Director General of Cominière Célestin Kibeya, staying in Kinshasa, took part by videoconference.

As for the company AVZ Minerals, three delegates also participated in the meeting by videoconference, including the representative in the DRC Baltazar Tshiseke.

The two bishops recommended Cominière and AVZ Minerals to engage in dialogue.

This will thus make it possible to relaunch the process of rehabilitation of the operating permit.

According to Father Moïse Kiluba of civil society, the delegates of the two companies have made a commitment to organize the general assembly of the company Dathcom SA.

However, this meeting will be preceded by other meetings at the level of each company.

As a result, civil society in Manono welcomes this progress.

Reasons for the dispute

As a reminder, several facts are at the basis of the dispute between Cominière and AVZ Mineral.

Among the reasons, civil society organizations in the DRC speak of the agitation around the acquisition of shares in the Dathcom joint venture.

Zijin, a Chinese company, for example, bought 15% of the shares of Cominière.

For these organizations, this takeover took place “in violation of the laws of the Republic”.

For its part, the Cominière accuses its partner AVZ of opacity.

She cites, for example, the signature between the former Minister of Water Resources and Electricity Eustache Muhanzi and AVZ POWER.

This memorandum of understanding concerns the rehabilitation of the Mpyana Mwanga I and II dam located in the territory of Manono.

For the state company Cominière, this agreement is illegal.

In Manono, the community hopes that the two partners will transcend their dispute.

To this end, they may favor the development of this entity.

Remember that Manono Lithium is a deposit of 6.6 million tons.

Thanks to this reserve, the DRC should rank second among the countries holding this resource, just after Chile (7 million tonnes of reserve).

mediacongo


Food for thought

Frank

 

[Samus]

With the Chinese, corruption is the engine of negotiation, which is of great interest to our friends sitting in a big armchair in Kinshasa.

 

[The Fox]

The bottom line is China will not allow AVZ the Mining License or control of this project . As was stated by Zijin in their news report last year . The ICC will have little effect . The decision still comes back to the Corrupted officials who are under Chinese control . Nigel realises he is helpless by mentioning Embassy assistance. The system is corrupt to the core from the top down including the President.

Well aren't you a little ray of Chinese sunshine. Go fuck yourself you Chinese sympathiser.

Here's an image of a happy Chinese face you can take to bed with you

 

[Scoota30]

IMO Mate it could be because if they decide to sell out due to this BS at whatever price and let’s hope it’s a “Just Outcome” most of us will do very well, so possibly Nigel just priming us for what’s to come and hey it’s out of our control but BOD have millions of shares they will want a “Just Outcome” as they worded it…

You think Nige & BOD will just let this all fall over with 50million ish shares ???? Even at $1 he’s still FUCKING WINNING

Pretty sure they cannot just take it back from AVZ are they are the ones that made all this happen…

That would be the biggest Steal in history and would not look good for DRC…

Fuck the rest of the conspiracy theories over the next month again I’m going with my gut… NF HAS 50millions reasons to get at least a $2 a share on a poxy TO

Manono is worth BILLIONS

Bang on Cash. Hopefully this has reached a point now where the BoD have used up all of their avenues and now have a for sale sign sitting behind them.
Can't see how even if we ended up with the ML tomorrow, that there would be a smooth path to construction and production. I hope Nigel can finally see that as well.
China, US, EU. I don't care who cuts a deal with DRC Gov. Biggest lithium deposit in the world, surely we can fuck this off for a decent number and end all of our misery.

 

[Frank]

The fact that discussions are occurring with recently appointed key cabinet ministers is positive. There did not seem to be any progress with the existing ministers. Therefore any change here is good. We don't know if the new ministers may have been exposed to the Chinese influence in relation to this project yet. There may be more chance of progress.

The fact that the recently appointed ministers have been tasked with investigating the purported administrative irregularities with DRC's own mining code and IGF findings is also positive. A new perspective would be good. Can't be worse than Adele Kayinda, therefore I see any new appointments as a new chance/possibility.

Support from Australian and other embassies is also positive. Other Embassies who "share a common interest to support investment transparency in Africa's mining industry". It is good that AVZ appear to be getting some support. Possibly from USA who have a lot of influence and power.

I remember reading articles back when Felix was "elected" that USA basically thought the results were falsified. There were suggestions that USA would be interested in providing "support" etc to help DRC run their elections fairly. USA probably want to ensure China do not get all of RDC's resources. I think they could have an impact. USA are coming down hard on China lately, trying to make it really hard for China to manufacture the latest chips etc. There are restrictions on US workers working for Chinese chip manufacturers. USA is also banning sales of key chips to China. So they are putting things in place to restrict China's progress. Hopefully they provide some assistance with regard to battery metals too.

*Fyi, Re:- USA, I see where,​

US plans Tanzania trade boost as Kamala Harris tours Africa​

The US government announced plans on Thursday to boost exports to Tanzania, where Vice President Kamala Harris was on a visit as part of a diplomatic drive by Washington to strengthen ties with a continent where China and Russia increasingly hold sway.

Harris began her African tour on Sunday in Ghana before flying late on Wednesday to Tanzania’s commercial capital Dar es Salaam, where she is due to hold talks with President Samia Suluhu Hassan later on Thursday.

Her office announced plans to improve trade and other aspects of bilateral relations, including a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and the government of Tanzania.


This will facilitate up to $500 million in US export financing to Tanzania to support exports of goods and services in sectors including infrastructure, transportation, digital technology, climate and energy security and power generation.

Harris’s office also highlighted US support for a plan by LifeZone Metals to open a new processing plant in Tanzania.

The facility will use low-emission technology to process nickel and other minerals mined in the East African country, with a view to start delivering battery grade nickel to the United States from 2026, Harris’s office said.

She is due to stay in Tanzania until Friday, when she will depart for Zambia, the final stop on her tour.

Her visit to Dar es Salaam marks a return to international engagement by Tanzania under President Hassan, after a period of isolationism under her predecessor John Magufuli, who cancelled all his ministers’ foreign trips and discouraged travel.

Hassan has won praise internationally for restoring political rights suspended by Magufuli, who died in office in 2021.

He had banned political rallies by anyone other than elected officials, cracked down on Tanzania’s LGBT community and arrested scores of opposition supporters.

He had also rejected Covid-19 vaccines and urged Tanzanians to put faith in prayer and remedies such as steam inhalation.

Hassan reversed the policies upon coming to power with a Covid-19 vaccination drive and earlier this month, Tanzania passed the milestone of fully vaccinating 50% of its population.

mining.com

Australia risks losing pole position in critical minerals race​

Australia is at risk of losing its head start in critical minerals processing because it has not yet laid down a national strategy, even as other governments are splashing out incentives to grab market share and bolster security.

Supplier of nearly half of the world’s lithium, Australia is also the world’s third-largest cobalt exporter and a significant producer of rare earths, copper, graphite, manganese and other minerals key to the global energy transition.

However, those minerals are largely processed in China, including into materials essential in batteries and magnets for products from electric vehicles to missiles.

Western nations want to ease its grip after supply was disrupted during the covid-19 pandemic.


Consultants say Australia should at least move to producing the chemicals and battery active materials needed for cell manufacturing.

“There are lots of discussions and talk on various domiciles wanting to move forward, but ultimately it’s all about actions,” Pilbara Minerals CEO Dale Henderson told Reuters.

The Grattan Institute, a think tank, estimates the critical minerals industry could add more than $400 billion to the economy by 2050, a bigger contribution than the coal industry, Australia’s no.2 export, today.

Industry executives are calling for a national strategy to speed that development by fast-tracking permitting, and offering preferential access to industrial land and subsidies, among other measures.

They want rapid action in light of new competition from the US, Canada and the European Union, which have laid out critical minerals strategies including billions of dollars in incentives.

BHP Group’s CEO Mike Henry told media last month Australia was at risk of other countries moving to “eat our lunch”.

Aid needed​

With Canberra’s help, Australia needs to play to its strengths, which include having abundant renewable energy sources and being a reliable supplier to its global partners, consultants say.

The government has provided more than A$250 million ($167 million) in support to Pilbara Minerals, the country’s biggest independent lithium miner, which approved a lithium expansion in Western Australia on Tuesday.

CEO Henderson said he was encouraged by federal and state efforts, but added: “Of course, the government could always do more.”

In the first ministerial round table on critical minerals strategy in three years, state and federal ministers last week agreed development of the sector was a national priority, discussed how to support growth, and committed to hold regular round tables, Resources Minister Madeleine King said.

King said on Wednesday a critical minerals strategy would be released “soon”.

However the government has not said when it would deliver its national battery strategy.

“There is a window of opportunity to become a key player in battery manufacturing here in Australia,” Industry Minister Ed Husic said last week.

“We cannot let it close.”

Funding hurdles​

Australia has battled to overcome its reputation as a supplier of raw materials that fails at manufacturing, partly because its distance from major markets means it struggles to build scale to overcome high labour costs.

While major players, including BHP, Tianqi Lithium Corp and Albemarle Corp, are building up operations that will turn ore into battery chemicals, for smaller players the key obstacle is funding.

Making the right product grades consistently is also a challenge. Bankers are wary of lending to a capital-hungry sector developing new technologies, especially to companies with small balance sheets, typical of the sector, executives said.

Cobalt Blue Holdings Ltd, with a market value of A$140 million, won a small grant and fast-track permitting status but still faces a funding shortfall and wants government assistance to secure a refinery site for its A$560 million project, investor relations manager Joel Crane said.

“One of the largest issues we face is project funding,” Crane said.

Arafura Rare Earths, capitalized at A$1.1 billion, is counting on loans from the Australian and German governments to fund more than half its A$1.8 billion Nolans mine and processing plants.

“The elements for an effective critical minerals strategy are in place. The challenge is to stitch them together and deliver. This is a once-in-a-century opportunity,” the Grattan Institute said in a report last month.

mining.com

More Food for thought on a Friday night

Cheers

Frank