As always, the best reads from around the 'net:
Zambian copper project results in many disputes
An excellent article looks at the many controversies surrounding the Sentinel copper project in Zambia. Owner First Quantum Minerals is embroiled in land disputes, competing interpretation of mining and compensation law, as well as a governmental approach swaying between support and condemnation. Think Africa Press
A rare look at illegal oil refineries in Nigeria
The British Guardian provides insights into illegal refineries in the Niger Delta, where stolen crude oil is converted into Diesel under incredibly dangerous conditions for workers, communities and environment (including video). The Guardian
Detailed look at the future of East African oil
Many issues and challenges mentioned in this piece will sound familiar to observers of the East African oil business, but the article offers a nice and in-depth summary. Voice of America
Angola ends tax exemption of oil companies
The government has gazetted a law that applies consumption tax rates ranging from 5 to 10 per cent on activities of companies working in the oil sector. These were so far completely exempt from the tax that reaches rates of up to 30 per cent on luxury goods. This is Africa | Mining Review
Gold and violence in Darfur
A look at how government-supported gold mining activities contribute to increasing violence and a change of conflict dynamics in Darfur. The Guardian
Other stuff
- Study forecasts continuing stagnation of the South African mining sector: African Mining Brief
- The European Parliament has accepted a new Fishery treaty with Mauritania: Jeune Afrique
- Uganda is looking to import Coal from Mozambique to develop local iron ore reserves: AllAfrica/New Vision
- The European Union has lifted sanctions against Zimbabwe, allowing for diamond exports from its controversial Marange mine to resume: Mining Review
- Thousands of people demonstrated against French mining giant Areva in the town of Arli, Niger: Jeune Afrique
- Mozambique plans to finish its new natural gas legislation at the end of this year: Mining Review
- Namibia plans to start exporting large quantities of cattle on the hoof to neighbour Angola: AllAfrica/New Era