KoBold Makes Offer for Congo Lithium as Country Courts US, page-2209

Another possibility is KoBold Purchase a percentage of AVZ for a lesser amount.

Why this is possible.
1. Kobold unwilling and unable to spend 10B demanded by Nigel.
2. Much easier to raise 500M compared to 10B.
3.Better return on investment to Kobold. spend half a billion for a third of the project VS spending 20 x that to only triple their returns.
4. AVZ are fairly compensated. Better deal than the 30% to CATH previously on the table.
5. DRC now willing to give mining license because of the partnership with Kobold and or benefits/leverage of the USA.
6. USA still gain access to critical minerals through offtakes.
7. Its similar to what would have happened if the DRC followed their mining code and granted AVZ a mining licence except the chinese partner is swapped for USA partner.
8. Who cares about a 20M Break cost fee to CATH compared what would be delivered.

Anything is possible but Spending 500M compared to 10B is far more likely and probable though.