Uranium

Niger
Tensions brew between Orano and Niamey over Imouraren

The operating permit for the uranium mine is at the heart of the French nuclear giant's talks with the Niger government. The Bazoum administration considers the permit to be null and void and wants to negotiate a new comprehensive partnership.

Madagascar
Rio Tinto argues its case with Raojelina

The January meeting between the mining giant's chairman, Dominic Barton, and the Madagascan president may result in both sides backing off a little. Rio Tinto is seeking to defuse tensions as it negotiates the renewal of its Fort Dauphin licence.

South Africa
Transparency initiative seeks to curry favour with Ramaphosa

Gwede Mantashe, South Africa's powerful minister of mines and energy, is reluctant to divulge the ownership of mining permits, one of the key principles of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. With Senegalese President Macky Sall's help, EITI hopes to convince Ramaphosa to attend June's global GA in Dakar and join the initiative.

Madagascar
New mining code project sparks political and economic wrangling

The new text, an electoral promise of Andry Rajoelina, would significantly increase taxation in the sector in Madagascar. It is due to go through cabinet shortly, but is bitterly contested within the government and is likely to spark an outcry from the Chamber of Mines.

Namibia
Forsys Metals aims to double uranium mining licences

Canadian mining junior Forsys Metals, which has been established in Namibia for more than 15 years, is looking to expand its uranium mining activities in the country. It has applied for a second mining permit in the belief that yellowcake prices will rise in future.

Botswana
Mining services tycoons snap up prized property near Gaborone Dam

Best known as the owners of the mining services company Bothakga Burrow, which subcontracts for major Botswanan companies Debswana and Morupule Coal Mine, two businessmen are now investing in real estate in the capital's southwestern suburbs - a sector that is booming.

Zimbabwe
Black granite export ban causes rare frictions between Beijing and Harare

Although relations between China and Zimbabwe have reached new heights since China handed over the new Zimbabwean parliament building it has built and paid for in early July, a new law banning the exportation of black granite, which is in great demand on the Chinese market, has created some friction between the two countries.

The New Guard
Morocco, Guinea, Zimbabwe and Libya

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence reveals the next generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

MoroccoMakhzen keeping tabs on Obaid Amrane's rising star.

GuineaMamadou Diallo, from the embassy to the World Bank.

ZimbabweJohn Paradza, a key player in Mnangagwe's battle for the youth vote.

LibyeKhalid Chaouki, former Italian MP growing his Tripoli business network.

Namibia
King Frans Indongo Jr seeks licences in uranium zone

King Frans Indongo Jr, the son of one of the wealthiest people in Namibia, has been buying up exploration permits across Namibia. His latest haul is a set of permits next to the huge Husab uranium mine.

Zambia
National mining company ZCCM-IH increasing efforts to target cement market

In addition to supplying cement manufacturers with limestone, state-run ZCCM-IH is looking into building a new gypsum factory, another component of cement, as part of its strategy to diversify beyond copper.

Togo
Miners eye up Togo as the new uranium frontier

Previously known for investments in countries with a well-established mining sector, British junior Power Metal Resources (PWR) has decided to tackle a territory previously explored only for its phosphates: Togo.

Niger
Niger sows seeds for uranium boom

An uptick in global interest for nuclear energy has rekindled focus on Niger's uranium resources. But the production from a new mine is still a relatively long way off.