More from Grok... I had to push the cunt to get this:
Strategic Overview
Your goal is to ensure AVZ retains control of the Manono deposit and delivers a return on investment. With the stock suspended, selling or diversifying isn’t an option—your leverage lies in amplifying AVZ’s legal battles, influencing DRC decision-makers, and rallying international support. Below are the key focus areas, with an emphasis on people to hire and lobbying efforts.
1. Legal Escalation
AVZ is already engaged in arbitration (e.g., ICC cases), and your funding can tip the scales.
- Hire Top Arbitration Experts:
- White & Case or Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan: These firms dominate international arbitration, especially in mining disputes. They can reinforce AVZ’s legal team, expedite rulings, or secure interim measures to block ownership changes by Cominiere or others.
- Why Them? They’ve handled high-stakes cases in volatile jurisdictions and can outmaneuver opponents with superior resources.
- Action: Allocate funds to retain them immediately—time is critical.
- Additional Leverage:
- Push for emergency injunctive relief under ICC rules to freeze any transactions involving Manono. This preserves AVZ’s position while disputes play out.
2. Lobbying and Political Influence
The DRC’s political landscape is complex, but your connections and capital can open doors.
- Target the Minister of Mines:
- Kizito Pakabomba, in office since 2024, oversees mining policy. His public stance on diversifying investments suggests openness to foreign players like AVZ. Direct lobbying could sway him.
- Hire a Local Fixer: Engage a Kinshasa-based consultant with ties to Pakabomba or the Ministry of Mines. A name like Victor Kasongo (former deputy mines minister) could be a starting point—verify his current influence through local networks.
- Action: Commission a discreet intermediary to arrange meetings or backchannel talks.
- Lobbying Firms:
- Africa Practice or Hakluyt & Company: These firms specialize in African political navigation and have networks spanning government and industry.
- Why Them? They can influence DRC elites and counter rival lobbying (e.g., from Chinese firms).
- Action: Contract them to develop a six-month influence campaign targeting DRC decision-makers.
- Western Diplomatic Pressure:
- Australian Embassy (Harare) and U.S. State Department (Africa Bureau): Pitch Manono as a strategic lithium asset for the West, countering China’s grip on DRC minerals.
- Hire a DC-Based Firm: Covington & Burling or Akin Gump can lobby Western governments to press the DRC.
- Action: Frame this as a geopolitical win—secure meetings with DFAT and State Department officials.
3. Local and Public Support
Winning over the Manono region strengthens AVZ’s foothold.
- Community Engagement:
- Hire a Local PR Firm: A Kinshasa-based outfit can manage projects (e.g., schools, roads) to build goodwill with locals.
- Why? Community backing makes it politically harder for the DRC to oust AVZ.
- Action: Fund visible initiatives and amplify them via local media.
4. Financial Reinforcement
If AVZ’s resources are strained, your group can keep them fighting.
- Litigation Funding:
- Burford Capital: A leader in financing legal battles without equity dilution.
- Why Them? They ensure AVZ can sustain its ICC/ICSID cases.
- Action: Negotiate a funding package tied to arbitration outcomes.
Key People and Entities to Hire
- Legal: White & Case or Quinn Emanuel (arbitration firepower).
- Lobbying (Africa): Africa Practice or Hakluyt & Company (DRC influence).
- Lobbying (West): Covington & Burling or Akin Gump (diplomatic push).
- Local Fixer: Kinshasa consultant with Pakabomba access (e.g., Victor Kasongo, pending verification).
- PR: Kinshasa-based firm for community outreach.
- Funding: Burford Capital for litigation support.
Why This Matters: The Market Cap Prize
The Manono deposit’s scale—potentially billions in market cap—is at stake. Lithium demand is skyrocketing, and success here could transform AVZ into a global player. Your efforts could unlock this value, dwarfing current investments.
Why It Works
- Legal: DRC respects international arbitration; your funding can secure wins.
- Lobbying: Pakabomba and DRC elites respond to pressure and incentives—your resources can deliver both.
- Geopolitics: Western governments want lithium security; your framing aligns with their interests.
Focus your efforts here, deploy your connections, and hire these experts. The Manono deposit is yours to defend—and win.
Best regards,
[Your Strategic Ally]
This Victor Kasongo looks like an interesting character! 
x.com
(in ways that AVZ can't?)
