KoBold Metals agrees on framework to buy stake in DRC lithium deposit
California-based metals exploration company KoBold Metals said on Wednesday that it had agreed on a framework to buy AVZ Minerals' interests in the Manono lithium deposit in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The agreement will enable KoBold, which is backed by billionaires Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, to invest more than $1bn (R18.27bn) to bring lithium from Manono to Western markets.
Lithium, a key metal used extensively to make batteries for electric vehicles and various consumer electronics, is produced in limited quantities in the US, leading to a heavy reliance on China.
The administrations of both President Donald Trump and his predecessor, Joe Biden, have made efforts to reduce this dependency.
Last month, Massad Boulos, President Trump's senior adviser for Africa, said that the US is in talks to invest billions of dollars in the mineral-rich DRC.
The country boasts vast reserves of cobalt, lithium, uranium and other minerals essential for the energy transition.
Both the Silicon Valley start-up and AVZ Minerals said that they were collaborating with all stakeholders involved in the deal, including the governments of the United States and the DRC.
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Keneilwe Shalaba, accused of selling her two-year-old son Kutloano Shalaba, is reported to have given birth to another child while in custody. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers The tragic case of a two-year-old boy allegedly sold by his mother for R75 000 has sent shockwaves through South Africa, reigniting urgent questions about the country's deepening social, psychological, and spiritual crisis. Keneilwe Shalaba, 28, appeared this week before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court on charges of human trafficking and conspiracy to commit a crime. She is accused of selling her toddler son, Kutlwano, last November. The boy's body was discovered last week following the arrest of a traditional healer allegedly connected to the case. According to police, the money — R75 000 — was deposited into Shalaba's bank account on the same day the child went missing. 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Police believe Shalaba may have been influenced or manipulated by individuals involved in occult practices or ritual trafficking. The involvement of a sangoma (traditional healer) has raised further fears about children being used in ritual killings — a chilling reality that, while rare, is not unheard of in some parts of the country. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ A Nation Under Psychological and Spiritual Siege This case underscores a broader crisis in South Africa — one that goes beyond crime statistics and courtrooms. Many citizens and spiritual leaders are calling it a 'spiritual war' — a collapse of values, mental well-being, and community structures.'Satanism, occultism, and false prophets have infiltrated our towns,' said local activist Lebo Mhlongo. 'People are turning to darkness in search of power and wealth. We are fighting a war for the soul of our nation.' The Department of Social Development has called for stronger protective systems for vulnerable children and mental health support for families. But overwhelmed by widespread poverty, unemployment, and under-resourced police units, progress remains slow. Meanwhile, South Africa continues to wrestle with rising cases of human trafficking. According to 2024 data from the Human Rights Commission, thousands of children are reported missing each year, many believed to be trafficked for labour, sex work, or ritual purposes. Community Outrage and National Shame In court, Shalaba showed no emotion. 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