KoBold Metals, backed by U.S. billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, has begun development of its Mingomba copper project in Zambia, aiming for production in the early 2030s. The company has completed land acquisition for key mine infrastructure, including processing plants, a tailings dam, and administrative facilities. The project's investment requirement is estimated at $2.3 billion to $5.5 billion, with the mine expected to produce 300,000 metric tons of copper annually. The development comes as the United States increases efforts to loosen China's grip on metals and minerals.