Carlos Danger
Top 20
I agree with a lot of what you say but give Felix a bit more time. This is the action we have been asking for. Still won't guarantee progress for AVZ but the roadblocks are being removed just like Nigel said was happening at the AGM.Yes well put, but I was stomping my feet good Sir.
With global food shortages already and forecast, it is a wise decision to focus on agriculture.
Sri Lanka should/would be a wake up call if politicians the world over were paying attention and not so pre-occupied funneling taxpayer money into their pockets (Australia included), all countries should at least be able to feed themselves with a robust agricultural industry and have enough critical minerals to be able to sustain or trade in unforeseen times i.e energy. This is a good move by Felix.
Australia is a baffling case, we have an abundance of gas, we have oil, we have critical minerals to the moon. We should and could be a much larger player on the world scene if our governments past and present use some foresight and planning that spans far past a four year term and of course their own interests.
I must admit I'm leaning more towards the Felix isn't delivering and hasn't delivered side of things. He has had years to move, to do something in regard to the criminals. Only recently is that happening, this is probably likely do to the fact you can only do so much when your swanning around the globe telling everyone DRC is the 'answer for new energy minerals' and 'we are open for business'
That is an absolute crime in my eyes, the one company with the biggest hard-rock deposit in the world is in his backyard, what an opportunity to get this rolling and showcase to the world 'we are open for business', why on earth did he miss this glaringly obvious chance to use Manono as his prize gem in the mineral crown of the DRC the 'answer to EV needs'.
Many of us thought this was finally happening when it was announced we were the only miner/aspiring miner to be included in the battery council of DRC, then in a presentation Serge mentioned we need the ML promptly, cue Felix the prick smirking, yes smirking while all this shit has hit the fan since then, all the while mind you he was trying out the delicacies in Europe, the Americas and the Middle East.
So with that in mind WTF Felix, you had a great opportunity to have Manono under your wing and use it to showcase DRC is open for business, 'look at how well Manono is going with an Australian company running the show'. But nah, he missed the obvious promotional gimme, he missed the rampant corruption, he missed the battery council opportunity, he missed the IGF report, Jules had to go on TV to bring it into the light along with reporters. The comatose pace which he moved on that pearl doesn't scream 'I'm against corruption'.
But yes recently there has been some movement. Some.
He has got rid of some corrupt advisors and he has recently reshuffled his own cabinet with Lukondes cabinet to follow (if he is true to his word, Loando and Kayinda will be gone, as too the agriculture minister) I have little faith in him to do all that is needed only due to his performance to date. Cominere too have had their DG and another arrested but are still playing games as we saw with the ICC case.
He also looks to be pivoting away from dependence on Chinese money, with his U.S, Middle East and Japan trips MOUs and special handshakes. Which is certainly a good strategy that will benefit the people of DRC.
Imminent progress for AVZ would have meant we would be mining in Q3. We are way, way past imminent, R.I.P imminent *died suddenly*
(Simplistic yes but you get the gist)
Felix could order progress on the ML within the week for example, he could ask for a ruling over the percentages from lawyers/IGF/MOM and then once the 'experts' have got back to him order the ruling be made by the courts, he could then finalise discussions on 15% with AVZ. He could realise that Manono could be a huge mine for his presidency and the people of not just Manono but the DRC.
Yes Felix could wave his magic wand and grant us the licence now via presidential decree. But that could open AVZ up to problems about perceived favouritism down the line under a different government.
He is sending a message to the incoming ministers that corruption will not be tolerated. If the shitshow around Manono continues after this reshuffle then he will have more of a legal basis to personally intervene in the situation imo
If the change of government yields no positive outcome for AVZ and Felix still refuses to act then we will be in serious trouble. Whether through incompetence or sinister motives.
But I'm willing to give Felix the benefit of the doubt that he is serious about fighting corruption and he will do everything reasonably within his power to bring the key deposit for his battery industry plans online.
