KoBold Metals Expands Footprint in DRC with New Mineral Exploration Licences

Aerial view of the Manono project. (Image courtesy of AVZ Minerals.)

KoBold Metals, a US-based mineral exploration firm backed by billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, has secured seven new permits to search for lithium and other strategic minerals in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The approvals follow the company’s recent agreement with the Congolese government aimed at boosting American investment in the country’s mining sector.

The DRC remains a global powerhouse in mineral production—leading the world in cobalt output, ranking second in copper, and holding significant reserves of lithium and tantalum.

Strategic Focus on Manono Region

KoBold’s newly acquired licences are located in southeastern Congo, near the Manono lithium deposit. The company intends to explore for lithium, manganese, tin, and tantalum, with ambitions to transform the area into a major mining hub.
However, development plans face a hurdle: KoBold must first resolve a legal dispute with Australia’s AVZ Minerals Ltd., which is contesting the revocation of its rights to the Manono project. AVZ has initiated arbitration and is seeking either a settlement or a buyout.

KoBold’s investor base includes major players such as BHP Group, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, and Norwegian energy company Equinor ASA.

Tech-Driven Exploration and Local Investment

As part of its expansion, KoBold plans to deploy its proprietary AI-powered exploration tools in Manono. The company has committed to digital geological mapping, hiring Congolese staff, and investing in infrastructure upgrades to benefit surrounding communities.

This move aligns with broader US efforts to diversify supply chains for clean energy minerals and reduce dependence on China.