The Manono Lithium project in DR Congo continues to make the news with many challenges to overcome. In a recent public announcement, AVZ Minerals claimed that the Memorandum of Understanding with the Congolese government was progressing. However, this claim has been proven false as the government is frustrated with AVZ’s CO, Nigel Ferguson, and the company’s current management.
Indeed, AVZ’s current management has been in place for six years and would have had ample time to anticipate and resolve differences with the DATHCOM joint venture partners. Unfortunately, they refused to do so, leading to a stalemate situation with the Congolese government.
The government appears to have made the decision to no longer negotiate with Nigel Ferguson and the current management of AVZ. However, it is possible that if a new management team is put in place at the November General Assembly, negotiations could resume with the local joint venture partners.
It is important to note that the aggressive approach taken by Nigel Ferguson in recent years has been seen as a lack of respect for the joint venture partners, the government and the Congolese people. This attitude even led to the loss of the mining title necessary to move on to the exploitation stage of the project.
However, there is new hope with the arrival of new management at AVZ Minerals. Directors appointed by Make Manono Great Again recently held high-level meetings with members of the Congolese government, showing support for seeking a deal that would benefit all parties.
It is essential to resolve these disputes in a fair and amicable manner in order to finally allow the start of the Manono Lithium project, in the interest of all partners and the Congolese people.
In conclusion, the Manono Lithium project in DR Congo continues to face obstacles, but there is new hope with the potential arrival of a new management team. It is crucial to resolve disputes in a constructive and fair manner to enable the development of the project and the interest of all parties involved.