from JEAN KASSONGO in Kinshasa, DRC
DRC Bureau
KINSHASA, (CAJ News) – THE recent memorandum of understanding between the governments of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda is a significant step towards regional stability.
It reinforces the growing international recognition of the importance of the sustainable development of critical minerals projects to promote the prosperity of the DRC and its people.
This is according to the Australian-headquartered AVZ Minerals , following the peace deal brokered by the United States, and signed on April 25.
AVZ believes these efforts also demonstrate the US government’s recognition of the important role that the Manono Lithium and Tin Project, in which AVZ holds a significant interest, can play in advancing the DRC’s interests in the global lithium value chain and provide more balanced critical minerals supply chains.
On Tuesday, this week, AVZ agreed a non-binding framework with Kobold Metals Company to purchase AVZ’s interest in the Manono Project and support the discussions between the DRC and US to provide a safer, stronger and more prosperous Great Lakes region.
AVZ said it was supportive of future investment of US interests in Manono and is conscious of the broader geopolitical challenges in achieving a resolution in relation to the project.
The company stated it was aware of social media commentary about Manono that was critical of the DRC government and some of its officials.
The miner said it appreciated that its shareholders were frustrated with the disruption in relation to the development of the project and the impact it has had on their investment.
“However, any disrespectful commentary is not supported or condoned by AVZ.”
– CAJ News