AVZ Minerals Triumphs in ICC Ruling, Strengthens Control of DRC’s Manono Lithium Project
Australian mining company AVZ Minerals has won its arbitration case against Dathomir Mining Resources before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
The ruling, issued on July 14, 2025, definitively confirms AVZ’s acquisition of a 10% stake in Dathcom Mining SA, owner of the world-class Manono lithium project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
AVZ’s subsidiary AVZI initiated the case before the ICC to confirm the legality of a 2020 Share Purchase Agreement (SPA). The tribunal ruled that:
The transfer of shares was fully completed under the 2020 SPA.
AVZI has been the legal owner of the 10% stake since August 13, 2021.
Dathomir’s Claims Rejected
The ICC dismissed all of Dathomir’s arguments, including:
Annulment of the share transfer.
Recognition of SPA termination.
A downward revision of AVZ’s stake or renegotiation of the purchase price ($43.3 million).
Allegations of fraud and breach of duty, along with a $40 million compensation claim.
Financial Implications
The tribunal ordered Dathomir to:
Pay part of the arbitration costs.
Reimburse AVZI about AUD 1.8 million in legal and defense expenses.
Meanwhile, AVZ confirmed it will pay Dathomir the remaining $15 million due under the 2020 SPA.
Stronger Control Over Manono
Following this ruling, AVZ Minerals now controls 70% of Dathcom Mining, reinforcing its position in the Manono lithium project, considered one of the world’s largest and most promising deposits.
However, a separate arbitration is still underway concerning an additional 5% stake acquisition under a 2019 SPA. That hearing is expected to take place in late 2025.
“We remain confident in the outcome of this second procedure, which should confirm the validity of this acquisition,” AVZ stated in its release.
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