KoBold Metals Eyes Congo’s Untapped Lithium Treasure
Backed by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, KoBold Metals Co, has expressed interest in developing one of the world’s largest hard rock Lithium deposits in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This is considered as the first major investment offer by a large US-based mining company in the central African nation amid early discussion about potential minerals-for-security partnership, between the US and Congo precisely.
KoBold Company proposed training over a highly wanted mining license, tied to the Roche Dure Lithium deposit, according to a letter dated on 21st January and seen by Bloomberg News. Additionally, the previously mentioned company is aiming to resolve a prolonged conflict involves Austrailia’s AVZ Minerals Ltd., Zijin Mining Group Co., and of course Congolese government. In fact, this conflict has been freezing what could become a globally significant source of Lithium. Notably, the well-known crtitical material for electric vehicles batteries (EV).
In the letter addressed to Congo President Felix Tshisikedi’s chief of staff Anthony Nkizo, Sandy Alexander, emphasised the deposit’s potential. He said: “The deposit has the potential to become a large-scale, long-lived Lithium mine,” He added that the company:” would welcome the opportunity to develop the asset.”
KoBold, which leverages artificial intelligence to explore materials essential for the energy transition, has more than 70 exploration projects worldwide. It is also developing the Mingomba copper mine in neighbouring Zambia, showcasing its growing presence in Africa’s mining sector.
A Strategic Move during U.S. and Congo Talks
Actually, KoBold’s proposal comes not too long after President Tshisekedi’s idea of mineral-for-security deal with Trump administration. The government of Congo is struggling in its mineral -rich eastern province with Rwanda-backed rebellion. This makes such partnership not only highly significant but also on perfect timing.
Part of Manono project, notably The Roche Dure deposit, is at peak of complex dispute. In fact, when Congo cancelled its mining rights on 2023, AVZ Minerals was on the edge of bankruptcy, splitting the permit between AVZ and Zijin Mining. The last-mentioned company prepares the ground to open Congo’s first Lithium mine in early 2026, to adapt to the area targeted by KoBold.
Despite an 80% drop in Lithium prices since their 2022 peak, Chinese firms like Zijin have been aggressively expanding production across Africa to secure feedstock for refineries back home, anticipating future demand. KoBold’s proposal seeks to settle multiple arbitration cases stemming from the dispute, potentially unlocking one of the world’s richest untapped Lithium resources.
