Ann: Request for Extension of Voluntary Suspension, page-107

The Leo Investor Presentation webinar 14/12/22 contained a couple of slides concerning the DSO planning in its early stages.
At that time the previous Minister was supportive of the DSO plans.
It appears the new Minister has a change of Policy.
Slide 11 contains the following statement:
"Mali Government has offered their assistance"
Its a bit rough for the new Minister to reverse the plans at this late stage after being encouraged to go ahead with the early DSO plans in late 2022.
At that time the DSO strategy was.
"DSO Strategy
• Targeting minimum two shipments x 30,000 mt
- option to continue to be assessed at the time
• Ore grade 1.2-1.5% Li2O likely
• Timing: early Q4 2023 preliminary estimate
- accelerate to mid-year if possible
- DSO has no impact on Project schedule"
The Fast Markets Presentation in June'23 said:
" Targeting 185 ktpa from Q4 2023"
" Trucking contractors for DSO about to be appointed"
I would say Simon and the Team are negotiating and i expect it will take a while. The new Minister is taking a harder line with unprocessed ore leaving the country.
I am not sure whether this is the 1st planned shipment of the raw Lithium ore ever in Mali.
Its likely some agreement will be reached with a statement that the new Minister is supportive of LLL etc and talks were very encouraging etc.