Retrobyte
Hates a beer
It looks like a community centre?
No strippers there.
Maybe that's why Deboss quit
It looks like a community centre?
No strippers there.
This guy is full of
Definitely ignore anything that fucker says, the term advances pertains to the fact that the DRC have not yet paid their share and ICSID has asked us to make an advance on that which would be refunded upon judgement imo.Unfortunately, the reason for the suspension of the ICSID proceedings in ARB 23/20 is not publicly disclosed.
However, contrary to the post on X.com, the $US20m in escrow was not available for funding arbitrations, and nor could it be used as security for funding because it belongs to Cong until all this mess is sorted.
Cheers
F
Silly ? maybe, but given the corrupt practices of the Chinese through this entire s..t show to take control of 13359, then why wouldn't the Chinese overlords simply just provide coin to the DRC defence if it assists in keeping AVZ on the ropes?AVZ International Pty Ltd. v. Democratic Republic of the Congo (ARB/23/20) - DRC inability to pay
I understand that in the lead-up to ICSID arbitration, the DRC appointed five separate law firms, plus a number of high profile advisors to manage its defenses. Presumably the DRC has similar representation assisting it and Cominiere at ICC arbitration.
This level of support doesn't come cheap, and I wonder if the DRC stiffed them, and they responded by withdrawing services. If so, why am I not surprised.
Regardless of the reasons behind the DRC's inability to continue funding its position, there are potential ramifications for AVZ inc.
I asked both Perplexity and Gemini to summarise the potential ramifications from an AVZ perspective. This a summary of what they had to say:
1. Accelerated Legal Process and Default Judgement
- Scenario: With the DRC's diminished capacity to participate in the proceedings, the tribunal may expedite the process. This could lead to a default judgment in favor of AVZ if the DRC fails to adequately defend its position.
- Historical Precedent: Numerous cases, particularly those involving resource-rich nations with fluctuating economic conditions, have seen similar outcomes. For example, in the case of Enrho St Limited v. Republic of Kazakhstan, the tribunal granted a default judgment due to the respondent's failure to participate.
2. Negotiated Settlement
- Scenario: While less likely, the DRC might seek a negotiated settlement to avoid a costly default judgment. This could involve concessions from the DRC, such as allowing AVZ to proceed with the Manono Lithium Project or providing financial compensation.
- Considerations: AVZ should carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of a negotiated settlement. While it may offer a quicker resolution, it could also result in a less favorable outcome than a default judgment.
3. Political Intervention
- Scenario: The DRC government may attempt to influence the tribunal's decision through political pressure or diplomatic channels. However, this could backfire and further damage the DRC's international reputation.
- Countermeasures: AVZ could employ diplomatic channels to counteract any political pressure from the DRC. Additionally, it could seek support from international organizations and governments with interests in promoting investment and upholding international law.
4. Financial Implications and Strategic Considerations
Ultimately, the outcome of the case will depend on various factors, including the tribunal's decision, the DRC's ability to secure alternative funding, and any potential political interventions. However, given the current circumstances, AVZ is well-positioned to achieve a favorable outcome and capitalize on the significant potential of the Manono Lithium Project.
- Financial Gain: A favorable outcome for AVZ could result in significant financial gains, including compensation for lost profits and damages.
- Strategic Positioning: The case could strengthen AVZ's position as a major player in the lithium market, enhancing its reputation and attracting investment.
- Risk Mitigation: While the DRC's financial difficulties present a significant opportunity for AVZ, it is important to remain cautious and mitigate potential risks, such as unforeseen legal challenges or changes in the political landscape.
There you go...food for thought.
However, I don't agree entirely with their responses, particularly about the likelihood of a negotiated settlement, which I think is the most likely scenario. If the DRC has no money for its defenses; it has no money for compensation. Therefore it may be restoration of PR13359 and the right to mine.
Cheers
F
Edit: This post assumes that the DRC is unable/unwilling to pay ICSID arbitration fees. At this stage the reason for suspension of proceedings is not public, and could indeed be something quite different.
Silly ? maybe, but given the corrupt practices of the Chinese through this entire s..t show to take control of 13359, then why wouldn't the Chinese overlords simply just provide coin to the DRC defence if it assists in keeping AVZ on the ropes?
Because instead of keeping us on the ropes, I assume they think they can deliver a knockout blow and terminate the ICSID proceedings if we dont have the funds to cover both sides' payment, after which we can just be ignored. And even if we do cobble together the money to continue the proceedings it's one step closer to exhausting our financial resources and forcing us into administration. After which they can also ignore us.Silly ? maybe, but given the corrupt practices of the Chinese through this entire s..t show to take control of 13359, then why wouldn't the Chinese overlords simply just provide coin to the DRC defence if it assists in keeping AVZ on the ropes?
Good points flight, especially if they were in some sort of negotiations (I'm not saying they are as i'm just a pleb here like everyone else) but i'm not ready to throw either DEBOSS (who i once meet a few years ago at a melb m&g) or Geo under the bus at this stage, as i'm sure they areThat's a very good question.
My scenario was based on the DRC not paying its dues, which is the sort of trick those corrupt pricks would pull. It's what they do. It's in their DNA.
However, suspension may be for an entirely different reason...maybe the DRC has thrown a curve-ball of some sort, or AVZ missed a progress payment, or negotiations are taking place on the sidelines. I just don't know, but I am hopeful negotiations are taking place.
Unfortunately, I am in an information vacuum just like everyone else, and would like clarification from management just like everyone else.
Cheers
F
the fact we haven't had serious contacts re raising cash is a sign to me that locke are still in it... even "if" a deal was close, i dont think management would hold a dire cash position on the chance of DRC honouring a deal... they'd want some access to back-up cash... or should, based on DRC form to date.AVZ need to pay Locke $200k if Locke walks .
Would this show up in the Annual / Quarterly report if Locke has walked . Conversely if it doesn't show up does it tell us Locke are still in the game ?
Could one of these reasons be why the Reports are slow coming . Just a thought .
Could it also be Locke have ok'd the funds , but AVZ are yet to lock on pending results of 'exciting development behind the scenes ?' Locke securing a
$1 mil break free from AVZ for their effort .
Something smells imminent .
There's also the chance that DRC (or even AVZ) have missed a payment because deal done or very close to being done (within the 30 days to pay period) so why pay it.
Probs not the case but copium
There's also the chance that DRC (or even AVZ) have missed a payment because deal done or very close to being done (within the 30 days to pay period) so why pay it.
Probs not the case but copium
Who Fuxking Knows what’s going on mate seriouslythe fact we haven't had serious contacts re raising cash is a sign to me that locke are still in it... even "if" a deal was close, i dont think management would hold a dire cash position on the chance of DRC honouring a deal... they'd want some access to back-up cash... or should, based on DRC form to date.
Anyone know if these guys are a reliable source .
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MINES.CD
"The legal dispute over the Manono lithium project, one of the world’s largest lithium deposits, has taken another turn. According to reliable sources at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), the arbitration proceedings initiated by Australian mining company AVZ Minerals and its affiliates against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been suspended. This decision follows AVZ’s failure to pay the arbitration fees within the set time limit. If AVZ fails to pay the fees within 90 days, the proceedings will be permanently terminated."