AVZ Minerals Secures ICC Injunction Against COMINIERE in Manono Lithium Project Dispute
The dispute between AVZ Minerals and COMINIERE regarding the Manono lithium project in the DRC is yet to reach a final resolution.
The International Chamber of Commerce has issued a prohibition on Congolaise d’Exploitation Minière (Cominière), restraining any actions directly or indirectly linked to the exploration and exploitation of the Manono project claimed by AVZ Minerals. This decision marks a preliminary victory for the Australian mining company, announced on November 17.
Previously, AVZ had urgently sought arbitration to halt any transactions related to the Manono project. Notably, Cominière had recently inked an agreement with Zijin Mining, aiming to develop a lithium mine on the exploration license previously shared by Cominière and AVZ.
The court has also extended a daily fine of $50,000 on Cominière since May 2023 for any potential violation of the order, though this fine did not deter the Congolese state company from partnering with Zijin on the Manono project.
However, it’s important to note that the legal proceedings between AVZ and Cominière have yet to determine the rightful ownership of the Manono project, estimated to contain at least 400 million tonnes of mineral resources grading 1.65% lithium, according to AVZ.
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), a global business entity fostering trade and investment, issued the injunction. It operates across 130 countries with thousands of member companies and is headquartered in Paris, at the Palais d’Iéna.
