As usual, the web's most interesting reads:
Diamonds and Bushmen
Charity Survival International alleges that the government of Botswana systematically uses access to water as weapon to drive the country's Bushmen out of their diamond rich reservation. The Independent
South Sudan plans allocation of new exploration blocks
The East African country will hold an auction to sell exploration licences to new oil blocks. If exploration proves successful, additional oil production could significantly enhance government income. Voice of America
Tullow Oil stops exploration in Kenya
After demonstrations in Kenya's Turkana region by local communities demanding a greater share of jobs and higher income from Tullow's operations, the British company has suspended all exploration activity in the area. Kenya hopes to significantly add to its natural resources portfolio with oil deposits currently appraised by Tullow. Sabahi | the Star | African Mining Brief
Zambia first cancels, then reinstates tax on unrefined copper exports
Only days Zambia has cancelled a 10% export tax on unrefined copper and other minerals, the country's president Michael Sata has ordered his government to reintroduce the tax. Lifting the regulation had been a key demand of international mining firms, which argued that Zambia doesn't have the necessary smelting capacity to process all ores in the country itself and that the additional tax would make operations uncompetitive. African Mining Brief
The future of Tanzania's mining sector
Tanzania sports quite a wealth of various precious metals, gemstones, fossil fuels and other minerals. But falling gold prices and power challenges have made some investors weary. Mining Weekly | Daily News
Other stuff
- How can African countries use their oil revenue for lasting development? the Guardian
- Angola has opened a training centre for oil industry related professions: Mining Review
- Women are breaking into the male dominated mining sector in Zimbabwe: IRIN