UNCLAS KINSHASA 002021

SIPDIS

DEPT for AF/C (MAshraf)
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER

FROM BRAZZAVILLE EMBASSY OFFICE

E.O.12958: N/A
TAGS: EMIN EINV ECON CF
SUBJECT: Congo/Brazzaville: Start-up of Magnesium
Mining Operations in the ROC



1. In its search for alternatives to dependency on the oil
industry and efforts to diversify the economy, the
government of the Republic of Congo has initiated
development of the solid mining sector. On October 14,
2005, at the Mengo field near Pointe Noire, the Minister of
Mines and Geology presided at an official ceremony to
celebrate the inaugural drilling and exploitation of
magnesium by Magaloy Congo S.A., a Canadian-affiliated
mineral mining company.


2. Feasibility studies for this project initially started
ten years ago. According to Magaloy technical experts, the
Menga field has significant magnesium reserves. The company
is drilling five, 850 meter deep bore holes that will be
fitted with plastic tubes to allow magnesium extraction. In
order to mitigate negative environmental impacts, Magaloy
stated that state-of-the-art drilling technologies will be
employed. The benefits of the project include revenues to
the government and the creation of an estimated 4,000 jobs.


3. Updates on this activitiy and other commercial/economic
development will be provided by ECON/Consular Officer
Chelsea Bakken and FSN Econ Assistant Benjamin Ekoloko.


4. Please be advised that the Embassy Brazzaville TDY Office
currently has no access to IVG, OpenNet or GAL e-mail.
Embassy staff may be contacted via the following personal e-
mail accounts or cell phone numbers:

CDA Mark Biedlingmaier, carpaemarkum@hotmail.com
celtel: (242) 526-3562
ECON/CONS Chelsea Bakken, bzvbakkencmh@yahoo.com
celtel: (242) 528-7963 (R&R, 12/13 - 1/15)
TDY MGT Susan Selbin, sselbin@hotmail.com
celtel: (242) 525-7387 (departs post 12/23)


5. Brazzaville Embassy Office - Biedlingmaier.

MEECE