KoBold Metals Secures Lithium Exploration Deal in Congo Amid Legal Dispute

KoBold Metals, a U.S. mining company backed by billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, has signed a landmark agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to acquire the disputed Manono lithium deposit and launch a large-scale mineral exploration program. The deal grants KoBold rights to explore the Roche Dure lithium deposit, part of one of the world's largest lithium reserves, and includes commitments to digitize geological data and support secure supply chains aligned with U.S. strategic interests, notably the Lobito Corridor initiative. This partnership underscores the DRC's central role in global clean energy supply chains, particularly for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy, as the U.S. seeks to diversify and secure critical mineral sources. However, the deal is contested by Australian mining company AVZ Minerals, which holds a majority stake in the disputed lithium project and claims the agreement breaches an existing international arbitration order. The Congolese government has pledged to support KoBold's acquisition and to resolve ongoing legal disputes, reflecting increasing political openness to U.S. partnerships amid efforts to reduce Chinese influence in the region. KoBold's use of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge data science marks a high-tech approach to mineral exploration, symbolizing a significant shift in how U.S. companies engage with African mining sectors.