KoBold Metals received seven exploration permits for Congo lithium
The mining firm KoBold Metals, supported by American billionaires Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, announced on Wednesday that it had been granted seven permits to explore the Democratic Republic of the Congo for lithium and other minerals.
The U.S. miner was able to start a massive mineral exploration operation after the Central African nation and KoBold reached an agreement in July.
Additionally, the deal put KoBold in a position to purchase Manono, which is regarded as one of the biggest lithium resources in the world and is utilized in batteries for electric cars.
“Lithium will be the primary focus of our exploration efforts across all seven new licenses,” a company representative told Reuters.
Three of the permits are in Malemba Nkulu territory in Haut-Lomami province, and four are in Manono territory in Tanganyika province, according to information posted on the nation’s mining registry website. Lithium, coltan, and rare earths are among the approximately a dozen minerals that can be explored under the permits.
Australia-based AVZ Minerals (3A2.H) and the Congolese government are at odds over the Manono lithium deposit, which is the subject of a recent tab regarding the authorities’ refusal to issue a mining permit.
