AVZ Discussion 2022

[Dave Evans]

I'm only skimming over this announcement on my break but it seems to me we've still got CATH to contend with which is one of the ongoing complications.

"Whilst AVZ was not involved in the drafting nor is a party to the GDRC Kobold Agreement, it remains open to constructive dialogue with the parties, to agree a suitable commercial outcome for AVZ shareholders, where its legal rights and existing commercial relationships are respected."

You always seem to pick up on things that others miss Sam. Kobold’s Director General in the DRC (Benjamin Katabuka) who signed this latest agreement with the DRC used to be the General Manager at the Kisanfu Mine in the DRC which is owned by CATL and CMOC. You would have to imagine that CATH are somewhere in the picture, and I always thought their offer to us to be a partner with them in a hydroxide processing plant was a great strategy

 

[SilentOne]

Off topic but Geo is MIA. Not seen since May 10 on here. I spoke to him once. He was an elderly gent (I don’t think he would mind me saying that as he offered up his age - I just can’t remember it due to mine).

Anyway, hope he is ok. Anyone in contact with him?

I sent a text to see how he was going a few weeks ago and had no response - I will give him a call during the week and touch base.

 

[Uglybob]

I find it so baffling that Kobold are so open and media driven with this potential takeover. Generally it's all secret squirrel stuff, but they have ben the exact opposite the whole time. It's like they are on the back foot, they know it and are trying to overcompensate by making a big deal about every little meaningless step along the way (non binding agreement from a month back anyone).

I guess I'll just continue to wait it out like ever other pleb on here.

 

[Earlyspeed]

The Kobold/DRCG agreement from last week I'm sure mentioned that one of Kobold's responsibilities was to make AVZ whole to resolve legal issues? I'm not sure if this was in the text of the agreement or commentary from a Kobold Officer? I'm not sure Kobold have any other way to minimise the risk around their potential purchase than to pursue such an agreement. The DRCG are so far up to their neck in a legal sense, contravening another ICSID directive is the least of their worries. They are likely thinking Kobold will be making this all go away anyway. AVZ have no choice but to tick the legal boxes, report the contravention and continue on with the current strategy. Its interesting that today's announcement confirms other interest in the project. Hopefully this will maximise our return. Good luck to all holders!

 

[Penskefile]

I agree with most of this.

AVZ’s leverage is ICSID, and reporting the GDRC–KoBold agreement as a breach was 100% the right move. Postponing the June hearing got us nowhere—so yes, no more goodwill gestures.

Where we might differ is tone, not substance. I’m not saying AVZ should walk away or blow things up. What I am saying is: signing a public agreement to develop Manono—on land AVZ is fighting to defend—without involving AVZ, and in breach of ICSID orders, is not a neutral act. It’s calculated.

So yes—AVZ should absolutely keep the pressure on. But we also shouldn’t pretend KoBold’s move was harmless or friendly. It was strategic—and possibly hostile. I certainly lean towards hostile. That doesn’t mean we won’t get a deal, but we need to keep our eyes open until the money lands.

100% agreed.
It was Kobold’s warning to AVZ that they’re balls-deep in partnership negotiations with our enemies so don’t fuck that up by trying to put them into a bidding war with their competitors.

 

[KentCStrait]

I find it so baffling that Kobold are so open and media driven with this potential takeover. Generally it's all secret squirrel stuff, but they have ben the exact opposite the whole time. It's like they are on the back foot, they know it and are trying to overcompensate by making a big deal about every little meaningless step along the way (non binding agreement from a month back anyone).

They’re not a traditional mining major. They’re a Silicon Valley startup backed by Gates and Bezos, still chasing funding, and they need to look like they’re locking down flagship assets to justify the hype and bring in more capital.

All this talk of “AI-powered exploration”? Mostly marketing spin. It’s crafted to impress investors and convince tech-illiterate governments to hand over critical mineral rights. A decade ago, they’d have said they were using blockchain and crypto to mine lithium.

That’s why they’re pumping out headlines over non-binding agreements, doing media tours, and signing public MoUs on contested ground. It’s not just geopolitics—it’s branding. They want to be seen as the ones who “fixed Manono”—not because it resolves the dispute, but because it sells a narrative for their next raise.

Worth noting: KoBold has never developed, built, or operated a mine. Zero production track record. Ironically, that was one of the slurs thrown at AVZ by the DRC and Zijin—yet AVZ actually has more experience and credibility on the ground than KoBold ever has.

But hey—as long as they pay up, I don’t care. Just sign the cheque and walk away heroes.

 

[JNRB]

I am glad NF still playing hardball in every way he can.

But

You can't sign an agreement saying you intend to sell a resource to someone and then get upset when they sign an agreement saying they intend to develop that asset.

So good to keep maximum pressure on but I'm still cautiously optimistic. KoBold is juggling a lot of variables in this M4S deal so not surprising they want a little more certainty from the DRC Government. Speaking of: the second party in this agreement is the DRC gov, which means ultimately it's hardly worth the paper it's written on.

The way I see it: the more KoBold pre-commit themselves to buying Manono without agreed price, and the more they tie it up in other bigger geopolitical issues and movements, the more power we have to demand an appropriate price. Either KoBold is trying to box out other bidders, or they genuinely have the cash (we know they do) and want to just get this thing happening as fast as possible with as much certainty as possible (we know they do).

Still, all a bit confusing.

My biggest question remains: why does the DRC need to appoint a special envoy to facilitate the transaction, and why that's only happening now.

 

[Penskefile]

I find it so baffling that Kobold are so open and media driven with this potential takeover. Generally it's all secret squirrel stuff, but they have ben the exact opposite the whole time. It's like they are on the back foot, they know it and are trying to overcompensate by making a big deal about every little meaningless step along the way (non binding agreement from a month back anyone).

I guess I'll just continue to wait it out like ever other pleb on here.

Unless Nigel has access to the Epstein files, we have little other choice but to take whatever Kobold has to offer us.

I’ll see myself out

 

[wombat74]

I am glad NF still playing hardball in every way he can.

But

You can't sign an agreement saying you intend to sell a resource to someone and then get upset when they sign an agreement saying they intend to develop that asset.

So good to keep maximum pressure on but I'm still cautiously optimistic. KoBold is juggling a lot of variables in this M4S deal so not surprising they want a little more certainty from the DRC Government. Speaking of: the second party in this agreement is the DRC gov, which means ultimately it's hardly worth the paper it's written on.

The way I see it: the more KoBold pre-commit themselves to buying Manono without agreed price, and the more they tie it up in other bigger geopolitical issues and movements, the more power we have to demand an appropriate price. Either KoBold is trying to box out other bidders, or they genuinely have the cash (we know they do) and want to just get this thing happening as fast as possible with as much certainty as possible (we know they do).

Still, all a bit confusing.

My biggest question remains: why does the DRC need to appoint a special envoy to facilitate the transaction, and why that's only happening now.

That's sounds very plausible . Completely understandable Kobold want reassurance before they fork out $$Billions to AVZ . However is there any reason why Kobold wouldn't inform AVZ of their intentions prior to signing with the DRC ? No, Kobold are playing smart bastards . Trying to make AVZ cave into their lowball offer . Nigel now giving them a polite F--k You C--ts!

 

[wombat74]

You always seem to pick up on things that others miss Sam. Kobold’s Director General in the DRC (Benjamin Katabuka) who signed this latest agreement with the DRC used to be the General Manager at the Kisanfu Mine in the DRC which is owned by CATL and CMOC. You would have to imagine that CATH are somewhere in the picture, and I always thought their offer to us to be a partner with them in a hydroxide processing plant was a great strategy

My first thoughts when I saw those photo's of Benjamin Katabuka with the DRC Corruption Squad was , I hope this mother f--ker is not Corrupt .

 

[Dave Evans]

My first thoughts when I saw those photo's of Benjamin Katabuka with the DRC Corruption Squad was , I hope this mother f--ker is not Corrupt .

He’s held high management positions in more than one major Chinese mine in the DRC so I imagine he would know who the Go To Bagmen are to get the job done and the usual drop off addresses for CAMI, Cominiere, MoM, MoP and the fat boy.

I might be getting a little bit sarcastic now Wombles I think I’ve spent too much time here again!!

It doesn’t help that I just finished reading these two links

Gates and Bezos-backed KoBold Metals Enters DRC Lithium Project

Discover how AI-powered KoBold Metals, backed by Gates and Bezos, aims to transform lithium supply chains with its DRC project.

discoveryalert.com.au

Gates and Bezos-backed​

https://www.scirp.org/pdf/ojbm_1534698.pdf

Maybe you could pretend it’s Friday and tell us another joke

 

[Mouthpiecenomnom]

However is there any reason why Kobold wouldn't inform AVZ of their intentions prior to signing with the DRC ?

Who says they didn't? I reread the announcement and it has very interesting wording but does not explicitly say they were not informed prior.

Its a bit strange don't you think? This wording. Praising the Kobold ethics? Or did I miss-read? Almost tells me the opposite of "we are getting shafted by these guys."

 

[Chase]

View attachment 88713

This is showing a sign a strength ..it's saying we are not prepared to be pineappled anymore!

 

[Ancient]

KoBold must engage with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government to ensure governmental support for any potential investment. A negotiation between KoBold and the DRC is necessary to clarify the final ownership and funding structure since KoBold will not obtain full ownership of the project. Before determining the price KoBold is willing to pay, it's essential to establish precisely what percentage of the asset they will ultimately own. Therefore, resolving this ownership issue with the DRC government is a critical first step, although the exact outcome remains uncertain due to complex ownership arrangements.

AVZ would have preferred involvement in these discussions, as they view the project as rightfully theirs. However, AVZ was excluded from the negotiations between KoBold and the DRC.

During these negotiations, legal issues regarding ownership would likely have been raised by the DRC. The DRC would have sought assurances from KoBold that these legal issues would be resolved, to which KoBold likely agreed. The DRC has indicated it will appoint an envoy specifically to facilitate KoBold’s efforts to purchase and develop the Roche Dure lithium deposit. However, the question remains: From whom is KoBold purchasing?

From AVZ's perspective, their stance may be that the project should first be returned to them, as rightful owners, before any further transactions occur. AVZ’s position is that only once their ownership is restored will they decide the future of their asset. KoBold and the DRC appear to be pressuring AVZ by implying that unless AVZ accepts KoBold’s offer, their asset will not be returned. AVZ counters this by asserting their legal rights and readiness to pursue legal action.

 

[Exo324]

Maybe you could pretend it’s Friday and tell us another joke

It’s not Friday but this joke has been coming to mind in more ways than one with the recent events we’ve been entangled in


I told my son, “you will marry the woman I choose”

He said, “NO!”

I told him, “She is Bill Gates’ daughter.”

He said, “OK.”

I called Bill Gates and said, “I want your daughter to marry my son.”

Bill Gates said, “NO.”

I told Bill Gates, My son is the CEO of World Bank.”

Bill Gates said, “OK.”

I called the President of World Bank and asked him to make my son the CEO.

He said, “NO.”

I told him, “My son is Bill Gates’ son-in-law.”

He said, “OK.”

This is how politics works.

 

[wombat74]

He’s held high management positions in more than one major Chinese mine in the DRC so I imagine he would know who the Go To Bagmen are to get the job done and the usual drop off addresses for CAMI, Cominiere, MoM, MoP and the fat boy.

I might be getting a little bit sarcastic now Wombles I think I’ve spent too much time here again!!

It doesn’t help that I just finished reading these two links

Gates and Bezos-backed KoBold Metals Enters DRC Lithium Project

Discover how AI-powered KoBold Metals, backed by Gates and Bezos, aims to transform lithium supply chains with its DRC project.

discoveryalert.com.au

Gates and Bezos-backed​

https://www.scirp.org/pdf/ojbm_1534698.pdf

Maybe you could pretend it’s Friday and tell us another joke

Ok Dave I'll throw in a pre Friday special .

Bill Preston's nagging Mother in law died suddenly on a trip to Jerusalem. Funeral director : "Sir, it will cost about $65,000 if we send her home back to the states or $500 if we bury her here in Jerusalem."
Bill : "Go ahead and Ship her home."
Funeral director: "But sir, why don't you bury her here in the Holy Land and you can save a lot of money."
Bill: "A long time ago a man was buried here and 3 days later he rose from the dead. I cannot take that chance."

 

[Shire]

I’ll tell you what I did like in today’s announcement and that was the change in wording regarding a buyout.

We’ve gone from the March announcement, to paraphrase: not a lot to see here, could be nothing…..

And now: Yep, we’ve got multiple (written?) offers on the table and we’ll let you know when we’re happy with them (i.e. they become binding)…

I was a bit like others initially thinking KoBold were being sneaky but if they’re going to handover a few billion dollars they’re going to need to get some certainty from the DRC that they will get ownership of Manono. They have the framework in place with AVZ so I just think it’s another step in the right direction.

 

[hedrox]

https://www.miningweekly.com/article/kobold-metals-backed-by-bezos-and-gates-secures-deal-for-disputed-congo-lithium-deposit-2025-07-21