Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ASMARA168
2009-06-01 14:57:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:  

GSE COURTS NEW MINING COMPANIES

Tags:  EMIN PGOV ER 
pdf how-to read a cable
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DE RUEHAE #0168 1521457
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 011457Z JUN 09
FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0303
INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE
RUCNFUR/DARFUR COLLECTIVE
RHMFISS/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RUEPADJ/CJTF-HOA J2X CAMP LEMONIER DJ
RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC
RUMICEA/JICCENT MACDILL AFB FL
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
RHRMDAB/COMUSNAVCENT
RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
UNCLAS ASMARA 000168 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
DEPT FOR AF/E

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EMIN PGOV ER
SUBJECT: GSE COURTS NEW MINING COMPANIES

REF: 08 ASMARA 541

UNCLAS ASMARA 000168

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
DEPT FOR AF/E

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EMIN PGOV ER
SUBJECT: GSE COURTS NEW MINING COMPANIES

REF: 08 ASMARA 541


1. (SBU) The Eritrean Government (GSE) welcomed representatives from
two large-scale mining companies May 28-31, hoping that these
companies would be the first large-scale investors in the mining
sector. The companies, one South African and one Australian,
expressed interest in mining operations in Eritrea's northwest and
south-central provinces. During their stay, the representatives
told Emboffs that they had been treated courteously by the Ministry
of Mines and Energy and were highly encouraged to invest in Eritrea
by mining companies already present, such as Sunridge. The
representatives did, however, express concern to Emboffs over
logistical issues, such as the presence of rebel groups and
procedures for emergency medical evacuations. Nonetheless, the
representatives indicated that they will most likely pursue mining
contracts with the GSE.


2. (SBU) On May 11, the GSE awarded additional mining licenses to
two British companies (Andiamo Exploration and London Africa),two
Chinese companies (Zhongchang Mining and Land and Energy),two
Australian companies (South Boulder and Gippsland),one Indian
company (Spice Minerals),and one Libyan-Eritrean joint venture
(Eri-Lib Mining Share). All the companies are small-scale, junior
outfits hoping to make a name for themselves via a successful
operation in a risky environment, according to the representatives
from the prospective large companies. Six companies already operate
in Eritrea (reftel).
TABLER-STONE