Why a Sale of AVZ’s Interest Could Exceed $3: Strategic Lithium, Superpower Competition, and Market Influence
The potential sale or buyout of
AVZ Minerals' interest in the Manono Lithium and Tin Project could fetch
well above $3 per share, and not simply due to the underlying resource size—but because of its
geopolitical and economic leverage in the context of global lithium supply. Several converging factors point to a scenario where bidding pressure and strategic motivations could drive a premium sale valuation well beyond what traditional discounted cash flow (DCF) models would suggest.
1. Strategic Asset in the U.S.–China Lithium Arms Race
Control over the Manono deposit represents more than ownership of a mine—it signifies influence over one of the largest undeveloped hard-rock lithium deposits on Earth. In a world increasingly split between
Western and Chinese supply chains, whoever controls Manono gains long-term leverage over:
- Battery supply chains, particularly for EVs and energy storage;
- Pricing power in global lithium markets;
- Political capital in green energy policy and strategic mineral diplomacy.
Both
China and the United States are acutely aware of this. China already controls over
70% of global lithium processing and has significant upstream access via companies like
Zijin Mining and
CATL, both of whom are linked to the original Manono ownership dispute. Meanwhile, the
United States—under bipartisan pressure to secure critical minerals—has already backed U.S.-aligned entities like KoBold Metals to gain influence over Manono.
2. Geopolitical Premium on Ownership
The Manono deposit is
not just a resource; it's a strategic lever.
If AVZ were to sell its controlling interest to a U.S.-aligned buyer, the
DRC could eliminate Chinese control over a globally strategic deposit, shifting long-term supply dynamics toward the West. Such a deal may be viewed by buyers not just in terms of profitability, but
strategic denial—i.e., keeping China out of the asset. In this environment,
willingness to pay is based on geopolitical utility, not just cash flow.
This "strategic premium" could easily push the transaction value well above traditional fair market value—possibly translating to
a per-share price north of $3 for AVZ shareholders, especially under competitive bidding conditions between Chinese and U.S.-aligned entities.
3. Lithium Spot Market Influence: OPEC-Like Dynamics Emerging
Control of Manono also carries implications for the
global lithium spot market, which remains volatile and supply-sensitive. While the lithium market is not yet cartelized, the influence of large, centralized producers is growing—mirroring early-stage dynamics seen in oil markets decades ago.
A single party with
long-term offtake control over Manono could:
- Throttle or accelerate supply to manage price dynamics;
- Influence contract negotiations with downstream battery producers;
- Establish strategic reserves or price floors through coordinated supply action.
This type of soft power is especially attractive to both Chinese and U.S. interests. In a world transitioning rapidly to electric mobility and grid-scale battery storage,
price control over lithium is a proxy for economic advantage.
If AVZ is the gatekeeper to that influence—even if only for a limited equity stake—the
negotiation value of its interest increases significantly.
4. Scarcity and First-Mover Advantage
Very few projects globally offer:
- Over 800 million tonnes of lithium-bearing ore;
- High grades of 1.6–1.7% Li₂O;
- An advanced permitting and feasibility position;
- And now, improving security and political support (via peace deals and U.S. alignment).
In a world where
time-to-market and ESG compliance are critical, Manono is one of only a handful of assets capable of entering large-scale production this decade. First-mover access to a Tier-1 lithium resource with geopolitical backing can command a substantial premium in a competitive sale.
Final Thought
While speculative, the case for a sale price
exceeding $3 per share for AVZ is credible when viewed through a
geopolitical and strategic lens, rather than just pure project economics. The intersection of:
- A world-class lithium deposit;
- Great power competition between the U.S. and China;
- The potential to shape global lithium pricing;
- And DRC’s newfound incentive to align with Western interests...
...creates a unique opportunity for AVZ to
realize outsized value upon exit.
Disclaimer:
This is not financial or investment advice. It is a opinion only and subject to error. You should
always do your own research, consider your personal risk profile, and consult a qualified adviser before making any investment decisions. The lithium sector, while promising, is highly speculative and politically complex.