KoBold Metals' response
After reviewing the KoBold section (which is 2/3rds a list of investors and 1/3 about company activities) I identified a some factual errors to bring to your attention:
CLAIM: KoBold “acquired rights” to Manono via a US$1bn framework agreement with AVZ (May 2025)
FACT
- In May 2025, KoBold Metals announced a commercial framework agreement with AVZ Minerals concerning the Manono lithium project.
- A framework agreement is not an acquisition of rights. It is conditional, explicitly dependent on:
- resolution of ongoing legal and arbitration disputes;
- regulatory approvals; and
- agreement with the DRC state.
- KoBold has consistently stated—publicly and on the record—that it cannot and will not proceed unless disputes are resolved.
Correct framing:
KoBold announced a conditional framework intended to enable resolution of the Manono impasse, not an acquisition of mining rights.
CLAIM: “The DRC government has not officially responded to KoBold’s proposal” and disputes continue
FACT: ❌ Incorrect / materially misleading
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo government has officially responded.
- On July 18, 2025, the DRC publicly announced an agreement with KoBold that:
- positions KoBold as its preferred partner to develop Manono-related assets;
- reflects the government’s stated preference for KoBold to help resolve the existing disputes, rather than bypass them.
- Crucially:
- The DRC did not declare disputes resolved.
- KoBold’s ability to move forward remains explicitly contingent on legal resolution (including AVZ arbitration).
Correct framing:
The DRC has formally expressed support for KoBold as its preferred developer, while acknowledging that legal disputes must still be resolved before development can proceed.