Hi Glenayr, I have been thinking on the same lines, after I saw the $240M investment by CATH was extended. CATH already mentioned that ML is not a precondition, so why they didn't transfer the money and get the 24% as per the agreement. CATH is a user and not a miner. If I am Felix the President, my thinking will be:
My country is full of Chinese miners, some are good but many are just pure exploiters of the worst kind.
My country is a major mining place, but I don't see many major miners here.
In a couple of years, I will be having an election and what do I got to show the electorate to vote for me.
If I can get a battery and EV plant in DRC, well, I can sell a dream to my voters.
Lithium price is rocketting, how can I get the best out of it? My country got a God given once in a life time chance, and these guys want me to just approve the ML without giving me anything in return.
And I am pretty sure some of the major miners are in touch with DRC govt. And Nigel in DRC is on an extended 'holiday'. I will not be surprised if that 24% plus goes to one of the big boys. Just a speculation. With the current Li price, I also think that DSO will be profitable. They just need a big crusher established, so by the end of the year, some money coming into the kitty. Pure speculation from my side.
AVZ Price at posting:
$1.36 Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Held