The Australian AVZ Minerals (WKN A0MXC7 / ASX AVZ) now has greater legal certainty
as regards its Manono lithium project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In the area there were already activities of mining companies, a previous licensee
had filed claims after the competent ministry of the state had canceled the license
by regulation. However, the claims were not directed against AVZ Minerals,
whose license, which had been running until the end of 2021, would not have been
affected by the proceedings.
Nevertheless, the decision that the Supreme Court of the Democratic Republic of
Congo has now taken is positive for the company. The court dismissed the claims.
According to company data, there is no possibility of appeal against the judgment.
The written verdict is to go to the Australians in the coming days. AVZ wants to
have this checked by its Congolese legal adviser and expects a report by the end
of the week. At the same time, due diligence was continued with the Manono project.
On or around 23rd May the purchase and a second tranche of the placement should be
settled, AVZ Minerals announces. In the acquisition process, this would be the next
milestone for the Australians.
Another court case on the Manono project is still pending in Australia,
we reported. AVZ Minerals has requested that the proceedings be suspended
permanently because an Australian court is not qualified to decide on licensing
disputes in the Congo and, furthermore, neither AVZ nor the plaintiff are affected
by the license dispute.
AVZ Price at posting:
4.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held