Hydroxide or carbonate is not REE. Battery material is "OLD" well known process and much of the equipment will be adapted.
Of course there are some specialised equipment and need skilled engineers, lab tech and managers but much of the mid level to upper level roles could be done with local talent pretty fast.
For some real specialised roles AVZ/CATH can start with overseas talent but over time local talent will increase can be easily done.
Especially since snce there are hospitals, mining and manufacturing sector already in DRC so cannot see why DRC can't operate a battery plant.
As much as I want the ML, I hope the people of DRC benefit as much as possible and not get taken to cleaners like for oil and gas sectors in the past.
