AVZ Minerals (ASX:AVZ) secures site for intermodal staging station in DRC

• AVZ Minerals (AVZ) subsidiary Nyuki Logistics secures a 1227-hectare site for an intermodal staging station in DRC
• The company signs a 25-year lease on the land, which lies roughly four kilometres southeast of Kabondo Dianda
• It forms part of AVZ’s plan to export finished products from the Manono Lithium and Tin Operation to global markets
• According to AVZ’s Managing Director, Nigel Ferguson, the project is poised to bring a number of benefits to the local community
• AVZ shares closed at 16 cents each on June 11

AVZ Minerals’ (AVZ) wholly owned subsidiary, Nyuki Logistics, has secured a 1227-hectare site for an intermodal staging station in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Through the Haut-Lomami Lands Office, the logistics and storage company signed a 25-year lease on the land, which lies roughly four kilometres southeast of the town of Kabondo Dianda.

The station will form a vital part of AVZ’s logistics infrastructure plan to export finished products produced from the Manono Lithium and Tin Operation (MLTO) to global markets.

AVZ Managing Director Nigel Ferguson said recent meetings between the logistics team, key stakeholders and local indigenous chiefs would ensure the project brought a number of benefits to the community.

“These meetings have resulted in successful environmental and social impact assessments being approved for the rehabilitation of the road from Manono, the proposed new ferry crossing site, material handling site and depot for both finished products being exported to global markets and in-bound consumables and materials, bound for MLTO and the greater community,” he said.

“Investment in and around the area of Kabonda Dianda has been limited in recent times and the improved rail and road access should assist to empower the community to realise sustained economic development opportunities, improving their social well-being.”

AVZ previously formed Nyuki as a logistics arm for MLTO under a service agreement with Dathcom Mining SA. The subsidiary is responsible for managing MLTO’s logistics requirements, including road haulage, rail and port services and logistics and infrastructure maintenance.

Shares in AVZ Minerals were trading at 16 cents each at market close on June 11.