AVZ Minerals Partners with KoBold Metals on Manono Lithium Project

In early May 2025, AVZ Minerals, an Australian mining company, announced a significant agreement with U.S.-based KoBold Metals to transfer its interests in the Manono lithium project, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). KoBold, backed by prominent investors including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, plans to invest over $1 billion to develop the project and supply lithium to Western markets. This move is part of a broader strategy to secure critical mineral resources and reduce reliance on Chinese-controlled supply chains.