I dont think things are lost..............not by a long shot!
FT doesnt want to ruffle feathers with the Chinese, cause they have a strangle hold on the DRC financially and want their pound of flesh in return, plus they could be very influencial when it comes to FT re-election prospects......positively or negatively
So essentially, FT is asking AVZ to compromise and smoothe the waters with the likes of Zijin, possibly MMCS too, which gives FT a soft landing.
So the choices..........If AVZ want to go mining, then go to bed with ZIJIN , allow them the PREEMPTION 15% but require them to pay full market value and recompense AVZ a percentage for the capital outlay to get the DFS to favourable opinion status..............demand they drop the ICC case.
ZIJIN then contributes 15% to to the capital requirements for construction of RD..........less BFS for AVZ to seek.
ZIJIN are good mining constructors, so an advantage in that regard
AVZ should also seek to obtain 100% exploration rights regards to CDL, but probably will have to offer up a JV with Zijin on generous terms.
As long as AVZ retain 51% control of Manono ( as per DRC law........whatever that means these days ), then its still a license to print money big time.
The chinese always like to win, so even tho AVZ loses pre-emption, which was never a given in the first place, then its still a WIN WIN for all parties
The other choice is a TO.............but i aint smart enuff to understand how that would play out ....
Alot more smarter posters here that could explain that one.........especially regards to bypassing FIRB.
imo