Mantle is in the process of acquiring an interest in two private companies with exploration licences for diamonds, copper, gold and other minerals in the northern DRC. The licences are located in the Eastern Province of the DRC, the main town being Kisangani (formerly Stanleyville in colonial times). A desktop study has been commissioned with the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren (Belgium) and their report suggests that the licences are prospective for a variety of minerals. The licence areas can essentially be subdivided into two parts: a western part and an eastern part:
The licence areas are characterized by broad topographic flats, with altitudes varying between 500m and 1000m. In some locations, a higher topography is observed, e.g. the Mounts Munga and Etia in the Niangara area. The climate is tropical, with a distinct rainy and dry season. The vegetation is dominated by tree-rich savanna, with “gallery” forest along the rivers.
Five main hydrological basins exist in the selected zone: the basins of the Uélé, Likati, Bima, Bomokandi and Uere rivers.
Two road main roads connect the principal population centres in the area; the road between Buta-Bondo that passes by Likati and the axis Buta-Isiro that passes by Titula, Bambili, Poko and Tely.
An Option Agreement currently exists with BHP Billiton on the eastern licences.
