I agree with you here Wombat. I'm not sure why there wasn't more said about this article posted yesterday!
Gates and Bezos-Backed Startup Pursues Congo’s Lithium Resources
It is written in a way that basically states that KoBold developing Manono is a foregone conclusion:
"KoBold's entry introduces Western competition in what has increasingly become a Chinese-dominated industry. This competitive dynamic adds complexity to the project's development and highlights its role in
navigating resource nationalism in the global critical minerals race".
"KoBold's projected timeline, with production potentially beginning in the early 2030s, aligns strategically with the European Union's planned ban on internal combustion engine vehicles. "
"If KoBold can accelerate production and establish refining capacity outside China's sphere of influence, the project could significantly reshape global battery supply chains."
They are very confident that a deal will be done or very arrogant!