This bloke on Twitter has usually been pretty good, but now he’s promoting KoBold and suggesting KoBold will get our project. We know they are opportunistic scumbags who can’t find their own deposits in spite of bragging about their so called technology that’s supposed to find deposits.
Anyway, anyone with a bit of spare time can follow the link at the bottom and express their views on KoBold. I’m going to go looking for what I posted on them and repost it (hopefully)
https://x.com/MaxNdayizeye
https://x.com/MaxNdayizeye
https://x.com/MaxNdayizeye
[URL='https://x.com/MaxNdayizeye']
https://x.com/MaxNdayizeye
Maxime Ndayizeye, Ph.D.
@MaxNdayizeye
Manono Lithium:
KoBold Metals Likely to Win the US Takeover Manono South lithium:
US-backed KoBold Metals edging closer to acquisition in DRC's mega-deposit!
Manono (Tanganyika province) = one of the world's largest hard-rock lithium resources (~669Mt @ 1.61% Li₂O) — split into North (Chinese Zijin/Cominière JV, targeting first production/exports June 2026) & South (Roche Dure zone, long contested).
Key US play:
- KoBold Metals (AI-driven explorer backed by Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Marc Andreessen) has been the prime US contender since 2025.
- July 2025 framework deal with DRC govt:
Positions KoBold as preferred partner for Manono South, supports resolving disputes, grants 7 exploration permits (4 around Manono, covering vast lithium areas).
- May 2025 framework with Australia's AVZ Minerals (original claimant): AVZ to cede interests to KoBold at "fair value" — enabling >$1B investment to develop & supply Western markets (EVs, batteries).
- Ongoing push:
Trump admin officials (White House/State Dept) urged AVZ in Jan/Feb 2026 meetings to sell to US firm (KoBold the only known buyer), offering support amid arbitration.
- DRC backing:
Govt support for KoBold to settle AVZ dispute; shortlisted in US-DRC Strategic Asset Reserve for preferential access.
Status (early March 2026):
- Deal not finalized — ownership disputes linger (AVZ arbitration paused/resumed, price haggling).
- KoBold delays construction until resolved;
Zijin has infrastructure head-start (roads/power/ports), but KoBold open to sharing once cleared.
- High stakes:
Lithium prices low, but strategic value huge in US "friend-shoring" vs. China's dominance (Zijin advancing fast). If KoBold closes, it's a major win for US diversification — turning Manono South from dispute zone to Western-aligned lithium powerhouse! But legal hurdles + China's North zone lead mean it's "likely" but not locked yet. Eyes on Kinshasa & arbitration outcomes.
#ManonoLithium #KoBoldMetals #DRCLithium #CriticalMinerals #USChinaRivalry #AVZ #Zijin #ResourceGeopolitics #CongoWealth #FriendShoring
3:04 AM · Mar 6, 2026
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