The president of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), Scott Jobin-Bevans, welcomes the communique of the G-8′s annual summit that expressed concern about the illicit exploitation of and trade in natural resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which contributes to the instability and violence “causing undue suffering among the people.” [...]
aecurity Council expands mandate of UN force in Ivory Coast
The Security Council has expanded the mandate of the United Nations Operation in Ivory Coast (UNOCI), and the French forces supporting it, in an effort to strengthen its capacity to consolidate stability in the West African country, and extended the term of the mission until the end of this year. The Council unanimously adopted a [...]
UN’s focus in DR Congo remains civilian protection, Ban says on eve of mission change
As the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) transforms into a stabilization force, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has stressed that the world body’s main priority of protecting civilians will continue. Last month, the Security Council passed a resolution authorizing the withdrawal of up to 2,000 UN military personnel – from [...]
Remarks at Enough Project Panel on Conflict Minerals
Robert D. Hormats, Under Secretary for Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs, at the Enough Project Panel on Conflict Minerals, held in Washington, DC. Thank you, John for that kind introduction. And for all the tremendous work you’ve done both inside and outside of government. Since you and Gayle founded the ENOUGH Project, this organization has [...]
United States and Diamond Rich Botswana Sign New Framework
The United States of America President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) team has been working closely with the government, civil society organisations, cooperative partners and the private sector to develop a new partnership framework to be signed in August this year. Speaking at the 234th anniversary of the USA in Gaborone, USA Ambassador, Mr [...]
Gift Chimanikire Become Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Mines & Mining Development
Gift Chimanikire will become Deputy Minister of Mines & Mining Development, as Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai redeploys some of his ministers to the party and reshuffle those remaining in the cabinet. Prime Minister Tsvangirai said that he was making the changes so that he can balance the needs of both the government and the party. [...]
New Angola Mining Q3 2010 Market Report Indicates Diversification from Diamonds
Still waiting on Mining Code ; As this report went to press, we were still waiting on reports that Angola is to adopt a new Mining Code in 2010. This new code is expected to refresh existing mining regulation dating from 1992, which then minister of geology and mining Mankenda Ambroise claimed in 2009 was [...]
Godwills Masimirembwa Appointed New Chair of Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation
President Mugabe has approved the appointment of Mr Godwills Masimirembwa as the chairman of the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation, taking over from Ms Gloria Mawarire who held the post from March last year, says the Herald, Zimbabwe’s state-owned newspaper. “Masimirembwa is now the chairperson and he started working on Tuesday,” said Mines and Mining Development [...]
Zimbabwe Finance Minister Tendai Biti: Kimberley Process Must Allow us to sell our Diamonds”
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, Tendai Biti says that though the country’s diamonds cannot be categorized as blood diamonds, that is not to say that there are no issues of non-compliance around the KP process, alleged issues around forced labour, human rights abuses, smuggling and inconsistent records between what has been exported and what is alleged [...]
Rockwell Diamonds Announces the Acquisition of a 20% Stake in Flawless Diamond Trading House
Rockwell Diamonds Inc. has acquired a 20% stake in Flawless Diamond Trading House (Proprietary) Limited (“FDTH”). Effective June 1, 2010, the Company has purchased a 20% stake in FDTH that was previously held by Mr Hennie van Wyk for a consideration of South African Rand (“ZAR”) 700,000 (approximately $97,000). FDTH was established in 2006 to [...]
South Africa wants 26 percent or more Stake in Mining Companies for HDSAs by 2014
South Africa wants a 26 percent or more Stake in mining companies for Historically disadvantaged South Africans by 2014 according to the country’s Stakeholders’ Declaration on the Mining Industry Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Meaningful Transformation.
Lucara Diamond Corp Announces AK6 Feasibility Study Update
Lucara Diamond Corp. (TSX VENTURE:LUC) and partner African Diamonds Plc (AFD) have received an updated Feasibility Study on the Boteti Mining (Pty) Ltd (“Boteti”) AK6 project in Botswana. Lucara, the project operator, holds a 60% interest in Boteti and AFD 40%. The study details a cost effective technical solution with a process plant initially designed [...]