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| Identifier | Subject | Date | Office | Classification | Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00HANOI1298 |
VIETNAM'S QUANG NINH PROVINCE: COAL, ECOTOURISM, AND CHINA? [...] NORTHEASTERN VIETNAM'S QUANG NINH PROVINCE IS BLESSED WITH TWO NATURAL ENDOWMENTS: ABUNDANT HIGH- QUALITY COAL AND STRIKING SCENERY. IT CONTAINS MORE THAN NINETY PERCENT OF VIETNAM'S COAL RESERVES AND MINES TEN MILLION TONS A YEAR. LIKE MANY OTHER VIETNAMESE STATE-OWNED SECTORS, HOWEVER, THE [...] |
2000-06-13 10:21:00 | Embassy Hanoi | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EMIN ENRG EIND ELAB SENV VM |
| 00HARARE4821 |
A U.S. COMPANY HELPS THE RESERVE BANK FINANCE AND MANAGE ITS GOLD SALES [...] No summary [...] |
2000-08-30 14:30:00 | Embassy Harare | CONFIDENTIAL | ZI EMIN ECON |
| 00KINSHASA8385 |
WEEKLY ECONOMIC REPORT - WEEK OF DECEMBER 11 - [...] (U) SUMMARY: Gasoline and diesel prices rose on December 11, and public transportation fares went up 50 percent on the 13th. Kinshasa's motor fuel supplies were adequate but the GDRC twice closed service stations without providing advance notice, causing confusion. The Congolese franc weakene [...] |
2000-12-18 15:35:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN EPET EMIN KSAC AMGT PREL CG |
| 00KINSHASA8558 |
WEEKLY ECONOMIC REPORT - WEEK OF DECEMBER 18 - [...] (U) SUMMARY: Gasoline and diesel supplies were adequate in Kinshasa, though reports that current supplies are noxious persisted. The Congolese franc weakened on the parallel market to about 142 Congolese francs per US dollar. The GDRC held a week-long workshop on the conditions of state-owned [...] |
2000-12-26 15:09:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN EPET EMIN KSAC AMGT PREL CG |
| 00THEHAGUE1776 |
DEMARCHE ON NO ANCHORING PROPOSAL [...] IN RESPONSE TO REFTEL, WE CONTACTED MARTEN KOOPMANS, SENIOR STAFFER IN THE DUTCH TRANSPORT MINISTRY'S TRANSPORT SAFETY DEPARTMENT, WHO WILL HEAD THE DUTCH DELEGATION TO THE IMO SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING ON SAFETY OF NAVIGATION (NAV). KOOPMANS TOLD US THAT THE U.S. PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN DRAWN UP IN C [...] |
2000-06-15 09:52:00 | Embassy The Hague | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN EWWT KSCA PHSA SENV NL |
| 01ABUJA871 |
AMBASSADOR VISITS KADUNA [...] (U) Summary: Ambassador Jeter paid his first official visit to Kaduna State on March 27 and 28. He met with Kaduna Governor Ahmed Makarfi, the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, former Military Head of State General Muhammadu Buhari, Northern kingmaker Dr. Liman Ciroma and leaders in Musli [...] |
2001-04-25 14:37:00 | Embassy Abuja | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV NI PINR ECON EAGR EMIN LY |
| 01ABUJA984 |
KADUNA STATE MINERAL RESOURCES [...] (U) This is an action request. See paras. (4) and (5). 2. (U) During a meeting with Ambassador Jeter on March 28, Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi discussed at length his desire to bring in a U.S. company to exploit solid minerals in his state. He claimed that there were squatters [...] |
2001-05-04 13:44:00 | Embassy Abuja | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN BEXP ECON LY |
| 01HARARE1032 |
TWO MINING OPERATIONS AND A FOOTWEAR MANUFACTURER [...] TO ASSESS BUSINESS AND OPERATING CONDITIONS OF LARGE EMPLOYERS LOCATED OUTSIDE THE CAPITAL CITY, ON MARCH 5-7 EMBASSY ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL OFFICERS VISITED THREE BUSINESSES IN THE SOUTHERN MASVINGO PROVINCE OF ZIMBABWE. THE COMPANY/OPERATIONS WERE: = RAILWAY BLOCK CHROMIUM MINE, SHURUGWE [...] |
2001-03-15 15:24:00 | Embassy Harare | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EMIN ETRD KTDB ZI |
| 02ABUJA2686 |
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: USTDA VISIT A SUCCESS STORY [...] Summary. United States Trade and Development Agency (TDA) Special Assistant for Projects Thomas Hardy completed agreements for feasibility studies for fertilizer and housing projects worth $722,000, discussed programs with the Ministers of Solid Minerals and Agriculture, and briefed senior s [...] |
2002-09-17 18:15:00 | Embassy Abuja | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECON EAGR ECPS EAID EAIR EINV EPET EMIN KPAO NI |
| 02AMMAN3082 |
PROGRESS ON JORDAN PHOSPHATE MINES PRIVATIZATION [...] (SBU) The GOJ is moving forward with the privatization of the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC), Jordan's largest company and the largest, single exporter, with plans to sell a substantial chunk of the firm to a Canadian company. If successful, the transaction could bring in up to USD70 [...] |
2002-06-11 10:17:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV EIND EMIN JO |
| 02HARARE1863 |
BREDENKAMP CONSULTANT DISCUSSES HIS PROMINENT [...] (C) On August 15, Laboff met with a local economist and John Hollaway (protect), a Zimbabwean mining consultant, to discuss potential economic lifelines available to the GOZ through development of platinum resources. As expected, Hollaway believes that any sizable expansion of the platinum mi [...] |
2002-08-16 05:41:00 | Embassy Harare | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EMIN PINR ZI |
| 02RANGOON1571 |
KACHIN ETHNIC BUSINESSES: JADE, GOLD, AND LIQUOR [...] (C) Summary: Ethnic Kachin cease-fire groups have benefited significantly from semi-autonomous economic control of their areas of influence. The commercial arms of these armies turned political groups are involved in everything from jade and gold mining to sugar milling and liquor production [...] |
2002-12-11 00:17:00 | Embassy Rangoon | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EMIN PINS BM |
| 02RANGOON1585 |
KACHIN JADE MINING: THE ROAD TO RICHES AND RUIN [...] (SBU) Summary: Jade mining and smuggling are big business in Kachin State. Concession sales provide revenue for both the government and the Kachin ethnic cease-fire groups. However, little trickles down to the average citizen. End summary. Jade Mining Ain't What it Used to Be 2. (SBU) [...] |
2002-12-12 06:44:00 | Embassy Rangoon | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN ECON PHUM BM |
| 03ANKARA4654 |
GOT Intends to Participate in Kimberley [...] No summary [...] |
2003-07-23 12:37:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ETRD TU |
| 03HARARE643 |
No Coal/No Power [...] Summary: Aged machinery at Zimbabwe's coal miner constrains output and, ultimately, domestic energy generation. End Summary. 2. In January we reported that most of Wankie's haulers, dump trucks, rope shovels and front-end loaders were grounded, causing the strategic company to undersupply [...] |
2003-03-31 14:08:00 | Embassy Harare | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ECON EINV ETRD ZI |
| 03HARARE79 |
Top Coal Exec Throws in Towel [...] (SBU) Summary: Dominant coal producer Wankie suffers from an acute lack of foreign exchange that could ultimately hamper Zimbabwe's energy output. Top-of-the- line Caterpillar haulers and Bucyrus-Erie Draglines sit idle due to the costliness of imported parts. Meanwhile, the GOZ insists tha [...] |
2003-01-13 14:18:00 | Embassy Harare | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EMIN ZI ENGR |
| 03KUWAIT5719 |
(U) IRAN TO PROVIDE KUWAIT WITH FRESH WATER [...] (C) Summary: The December 13 Kuwaiti-Iranian water importation agreement lays the foundation for Iran to begin supplying Kuwait with up to 900,000 cubic meters (over 200 million imperial gallons) of fresh water per day for a 30-year period. This would significantly increase Kuwait,s supply o [...] |
2003-12-17 11:51:00 | Embassy Kuwait | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL EMIN ETRD KU IR |
| 03OTTAWA1812 |
Canada's Uranium: A primer [...] Canada is the largest uranium producer in the world - in 2002 production was 11,607 metric tonnes of uranium, about one-third of total world production. Canada typically provides 20 to 30 percent of uranium used in the United States. The two main players are Cameco, a Canadian-based publicly [...] |
2003-06-26 18:38:00 | Embassy Ottawa | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ETRD ENRG KNNP CA |
| 04ABUJA1007 |
U/S TAYLOR'S MEETING WITH FINANCE MINISTER [...] Summary: In a meeting with Treasury U/S Taylor, Nigerian Finance Minister Okonjo-Iweala said the Ministry will carry out an audit of petroleum revenues to make sure the GON is getting its fair share, and the results will be reported to the public. The GON is sidelining its windfall cash from [...] |
2004-06-08 07:19:00 | Embassy Abuja | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECON EFIN EIND EINT EMIN ENRG EPET ETRD ETTC NI |
| 04ACCRA1790 |
GROUNDBREAKING SHOWCASES NEWMONT MINING'S ATTEMPT [...] (SBU) On August 25 DCM and EconOff attended groundbreaking ceremonies hosted by Newmont Mining for the first of two planned mines in Ghana. When completed, the 450 million-dollar project in the Brong-Ahafo region will represent the largest foreign investment in Ghana to date. Newmont clearly [...] |
2004-09-02 13:51:00 | Embassy Accra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV EMIN GA |
| 04ACCRA2205 |
KAISER COMPLETES SALE OF VALCO TO THE GOVERNMENT [...] (U) Kaiser Aluminum has sold its 90-percent stake in the Volta River Aluminum Company (Valco) to the Government of Ghana (GoG)for USD 18.5 million. After Parliament ratified the sale agreement on October 28 (septel), GoG and Kaiser officials met in London on October 29 to complete the officia [...] |
2004-11-08 17:22:00 | Embassy Accra | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EINV EMIN ENRG GH EXIM OPIC |
| 04ACCRA2384 |
GHANA: ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS NOVEMBER 2004 [...] This report covers noteworthy economic events and activities in Ghana for November 2004. The issues covered are: -- Ambassador Hosts AmCham Breakfast -- Fitch and Standard and Poor's Reaffirm Ghana Ratings -- World Bank Approves West Africa Gas Pipeline Project -- President Kufuor Opens Co [...] |
2004-12-07 15:08:00 | Embassy Accra | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN EMIN GH OPIC |
| 04ACCRA2527 |
ALCOA'S BID FOR VALCO [...] (SBU) Summary. EconOffs met with Randy Phillips and Jeff Heeter of Alcoa December 14. Phillips and Heeter were in Ghana to follow up on Alcoa's proposal to purchase a larger stake in the Volta Aluminum Company(VALCO) and develop Ghana's bauxite reserves. The proposal also includes the const [...] |
2004-12-22 08:30:00 | Embassy Accra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV EMIN ENRG GH EXIM OPIC |
| 04ANKARA4332 |
TURKEY INVESTMENT ISSUES: GOOD NEWS FOR CARGILL, [...] (SBU) In recent months, the Turkish Government has taken several steps to resolve outstanding disputes with U.S. companies and to open its economy to foreign investment. The most notable recent step was the passage of industrial zones legislation that Cargill believes will solve the zoning pr [...] |
2004-08-03 15:15:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV EMIN ECPS BEXP TU |
| 04ANKARA5306 |
SECRETARY ABRAHAM'S SEPTEMBER 21 VISIT TO ISTANBUL [...] (SBU) Your visit to Turkey comes a few months after the President,s June visit to Ankara and Istanbul for bilateral meetings and the NATO Summit, at a time when bilateral and political relations are generally on track. Your meeting with Energy Minister Hilmi Guler will provide an excellent op [...] |
2004-09-17 15:37:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EPET EWWT EMIN ETRD EINV OVIP TU |
| 04ANKARA5698 |
SECRETARY ABRAHAM,S SEPTEMBER 21 BILATERAL MEETING [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham and Turkey Energy Minister Hilmi Guler covered a range of energy issues in a meeting in Istanbul on September 21. Areas identified for continued and deepened cooperation were Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline completion in mid 2005; promotion [...] |
2004-10-04 15:00:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EPET EWWT EMIN ETRD EINV OVIP TU |
| 04BRASILIA1185 |
SCENE SETTER: PRESIDENT LULA'S VISIT TO CHINA [...] (U) Summary: Brazil's President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva visits China May 22 - 27, accompanied by a huge entourage of Ministers and business leaders, determined to put Brazil-China relations at the center of his quest for strategic alliances. Trade and investment may be the most visible it [...] |
2004-05-14 17:01:00 | Embassy Brasilia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | BR BTIO EAGR ECON EFIN EINV EMIN ENRG EPET ETRD KIPR PGOV PREL CH UNSC WTRO |
| 04GUATEMALA247 |
AMBASSADOR CALLS ON NEW MINISTER OF ENERGY AND [...] (C) Ambassador called on new Minister of Energy and Mines Roberto Gonzalez on January 28. Gonzalez has strong free-market credentials and beliefs, has a background in the electric power sector, and shares our views on respecting contracts, attracting investment, reducing subsidies, and pres [...] |
2004-02-02 22:44:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | ENRG EMIN PGOV PINR GT |
| 04GUATEMALA272 |
AMBASSADOR CALLS ON NEW MINISTER OF ENERGY AND [...] (C) Ambassador called on new Minister of Energy and Mines Roberto Gonzalez on January 28. Gonzalez has strong free-market credentials and beliefs, has a background in the electric power sector, and shares our views on respecting contracts, attracting investment, reducing subsidies, and pres [...] |
2004-02-04 18:37:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | ENRG EMIN PGOV PINR GT |
| 04HARARE1588 |
Why Gold Is Up and Other Exports Down [...] Summary: Zimbabwean gold production could increase 67 percent to 20 tons this year, according to industry insiders. At current world prices, bullion will easily soar past tobacco and cotton to become the country top foreign exchange earner. As part of the Government's efforts to encourage p [...] |
2004-09-23 11:14:00 | Embassy Harare | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN EAGR ECON ETRD EINV PGOV ZI |
| 04HARARE1898 |
Nickel Exporter Using Just 2 of 4 Mines [...] (SBU) On a recent site visit to Bindura Nickel Corp (BNC) in Mashonaland Central, General Manager R. Chinamatira complained to us of Zimbabwe's worsening export climate. Even though nickel reached a 20-year high on world markets this year, BNC is operating only two of four mines. By increasi [...] |
2004-11-18 15:58:00 | Embassy Harare | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN ECON ETRD EINV PGOV ZI |
| 04HARARE361 |
Miners Still Glum [...] Summary: Mining industry representatives told us the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ)'s new monetary policy has menaced their tattered businesses. Between an overvalued zimdollar and overpriced electricity, they are barely staying afloat. The GOZ still does not appreciate that its 6-year rece [...] |
2004-03-01 08:35:00 | Embassy Harare | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EMIN EINV ETRD PGOV ZI |
| 04KINSHASA1140 |
ECONOMIC REPORT - MARCH THROUGH JUNE 2004 [...] SUMMARY. Prices and the exchange rate remain stable even through political difficulties. The mining sector has been extremely active. Mining company America Mineral Fields (Amfi) wins approval and signature of its USD 300 million contract and then changes its name to Adastra Minerals. The UK g [...] |
2004-06-21 14:24:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID EAIR ECON ECPS EFIN EINV ELTN EMIN EPET ETRD PGOV PREL CG |
| 04KINSHASA1399 |
ECONOMIC REPORT - LATE JUNE THROUGH 23 JULY [...] Summary. Bank of Commerce and Development (BCD) liquidation and conflict in eastern DRC temporarily raise exchange rates. Prices remain relatively stable. The diamond sector continues to see increased activity with CEEC projecting exports of USD 1 billion by 2006 (up from current USD 700-800 [...] |
2004-07-29 06:15:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR EAID EAIR ECON ECPS EFIN EIND EINV ELAB ELTN EMIN ETRD PGOV PREL CG |
| 04KINSHASA1490 |
ECONOMIC REPORT - JULY 25 THROUGH AUGUST 04 [...] Summary. Exchange rates are quite stable, but prices show signs of impending increase due to transportation problems between Kinshasa and the provinces, including the collapse of the Mai-Ndombe bridge. The GDRC reported significant macroeconomic progress for 2003, including 5 percent GDP gro [...] |
2004-08-07 06:55:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID EAGR ECON EFIN EIND ELTN EMIN ETRD PGOV PREL CG |
| 04KINSHASA1492 |
MONUC FEARS URANIUM SMUGGLING IN CONGO [...] (C) SUMMARY: A MONUC official based in Katanga province recently visited Shinkolobwe, a local mining area and source of uranium, and expressed concern to Kinshasa-based diplomats about possible illegal uranium-related mining activity. Although Post sees no cause for immediate alarm, Shinkolobw [...] |
2004-08-09 12:47:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS EMIN PINR KNNP CG |
| 04KINSHASA1553 |
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE BY VP BEMBA [...] (C) Summary. On Aug 12, Ambassador Meece paid a courtesy call on DRC Vice President for Economic and Financial Affairs, Jean-Pierre Bemba. Bemba made clear his pride in the economic achievements of the past year and his extreme prejudice toward Rwandan President Kagame as the primary culprit b [...] |
2004-08-17 13:53:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID ECON EFIN EINV EMIN ETRD PGOV PREL CG HIPC OPIC |
| 04KINSHASA1562 |
ECONOMIC REPORT - AUG 13 THROUGH AUG 20 [...] Food prices have decreased due to the reopening of the Mai-Ndombe bridge. Exchange rates remain stable, but the FC is trading at a slightly higher value on the Kinshasa parallel market than official rates. The DRC's National Assembly created a commission to investigate Gecamines' mining and [...] |
2004-08-19 12:33:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECIN ECON EFIN ELTN EMIN EPET EWWT PGOV PREL CG |
| 04KINSHASA1630 |
REMOVAL OF ARTISANAL MINERS AROUND LIKASI - [...] (U) Summary. The Governor of Katanga is currently on a campaign to move all artisanal miners in and around Likasi to special artisanal mining designated zones outside of Kolwezi. This move includes forcing the 6,000-10,000 miners out of Shinkolobwe. Possible rabble-rousing by former Katangan p [...] |
2004-08-27 16:35:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EMIN PGOV KNNP CG |
| 04KINSHASA1631 |
ECONOMIC REPORT - AUG 20 THROUGH AUG 27 [...] (U) Summary. Both exchange rates and prices remain stable. Gravity Diamonds of Australia is planning a joint venture with BHP Billiton for diamond exploration in the Kasais. CHEMAF has resumed production at a Mine de l'Etoile concession abandoned by Gecamines. The DRC became a member of th [...] |
2004-08-27 16:38:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECON EFIN EINV ELAB ELTN EMIN ENRG EPET ETRD EWWT PGOV PREL CG |
| 04KINSHASA1669 |
ECONOMIC REPORT - AUG 28 THROUGH SEPT 3 [...] Summary. Prices are stable with the exception of food items, which registered a 7 percent increase. Exchange rates remain stable. Adastra Minerals is seeking to become a major metals producer in the region. Bindura Nickel Corporation (BNC) and Gecamines are in advanced negotiations for a jo [...] |
2004-09-03 14:32:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECIN ECON EFIN EIND EINV EMIN ENRG ETRD CG |
| 04KINSHASA1742 |
ECONOMIC REPORT - SEPT 11 THROUGH SEPT 17 [...] Sensitive but unclassified. Protect accordingly. 2. (U) Summary. Prices decreased slightly, bringing monthly inflation to -1.1 percent. Exchange rates rose to rates above FC 400 to the USD. Diamond exports decreased from 2.79 million carats in July to 1.92 million carats in August. Ang [...] |
2004-09-17 09:21:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EAID EFIN EIND ELAB ELTN EMIN CG |
| 04KINSHASA1802 |
ECONOMIC REPORT - SEPT 18 THROUGH SEPT 24 [...] Summary. Prices are stable, with no inflation reported. Exchange rates continued to rise, with parallel markets trading at FC 400-420 per USD. The Australian firm, Anvil Mining, is seeking joint venture opportunities in the DRC. Banro Corporation plans to begin its gold exploration operati [...] |
2004-09-27 12:38:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EAID ECPS EFIN ELAB ELTN EMIN EPET CG |
| 04KINSHASA1866 |
MINISTER OF PLAN AND PHELPS-DODGE MINING PROJECT [...] (C) Ambassador and econoff met with Minister of Plan Alexis Thambwe on September 27 for an introductory meeting and to discuss Phelps-Dodge's mining project at Tenke Fungurume. Thambwe told the Ambassador that he was committed to getting the project off the ground and was asking the governme [...] |
2004-10-06 15:21:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN ETRD ECON CG |
| 04KINSHASA1976 |
KIMBERLEY PROCESS VISIT TO DRC PROVIDES [...] (SBU) Summary. At the request of the DRC government, a Kimberley Process review team visited the DRC in October. Although the GDRC has made some progress, it is not in full compliance with Kimberley Process regulations. There are still serious holes in the DRC's Kimberley Process system, and a [...] |
2004-10-22 15:47:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN ECON PGOV PREL CG |
| 04KINSHASA2000 |
CONTINUED CONFUSION ON DIAMOND SECTOR MANAGEMENT [...] (C) Summary: Competition between the Minister of Mines Eugene Diomi Ndongala and CEEC (diamond evaluating authority) Managing Director Victor Kasongo continues to increase. The European Commission (EC) recently decided not to fund a diamond sector audit presented by Diomi and the IMF. The two [...] |
2004-10-27 15:53:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN ECON EAID PGOV PREL |
| 04KINSHASA2087 |
UN TEAM TO SHINKOLOBWE: MINE NOT A PROLIFERATION [...] (U) A UN team, composed of officials from IAEA, UNEP and WHO, visited Shinkolobwe mine in Katanga Province from Oct 25 to Nov 04 and concluded that the mine should remain closed due to risks of mine collapse and potential chronic exposure to ionising radiation. The objective of the trip was to [...] |
2004-11-12 15:22:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KNNP EMIN PREL PGOV CG |
| 04KINSHASA2118 |
POSSIBLE MASSACRE AT KILWA [...] (C) SUMMARY: According to sources in Katanga province, the October 2004 "insurgency" at Kilwa on the Congo-Zambia border was more likely a tragic farce than a real attack, and government troops may have massacred dozens of civilians when they recaptured the town. Explanations for the incident [...] |
2004-11-18 15:35:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV PINS MOPS ECON EMIN CG |
| 04KINSHASA2122 |
DRC VISIT TO CHINA, N. KOREA - HYDROELECTRICITY [...] (C) Summary: Presidential advisor Andre Kapanga, the second-ranking official on the DRC delegation to China and North Korea, told PolCouns November 17 that meetings focused on investment opportunities in the DRC, particularly hydroelectrical generation and production of roof tiles. China off [...] |
2004-11-19 07:07:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINR ECON ENRG EINV EMIN ETRD PGOV CG CH KN |
| 04MADRID1146 |
SPAIN COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR USGS THOMAS D. LORENSON [...] Embassy welcomes and grants country clearance to USGS Research Geologist Thomas D. Lorenson to travel to Barcelona April 16-24 to participate in a series of working meetings dealing with USGS and international academic partners ocean drilling program Leg 204 post cruise meeting, "Drilling Gas [...] |
2004-04-06 09:16:00 | Embassy Madrid | UNCLASSIFIED | OTRA TPHY KSCA ECON EMIN SENV SP |
| 04MADRID860 |
SPAIN COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR USGS HAROLD R. NEWMAN [...] Embassy welcomes and grants country clearance to Harold R. Newman, Physical Scientist, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), to travel to Madrid March 26-April 10 to attend the 17th Industrial Minerals International Congress. 2. Embassy understands that no assistance is necessary. 3. THREAT [...] |
2004-03-12 17:30:00 | Embassy Madrid | UNCLASSIFIED | OTRA TPHY KSCA ECON EMIN SENV SP |
| 04PARAMARIBO126 |
LOCAL PUNDIT'S CRITICISM OF FTAA GETS BIG MEDIA [...] SUMMARY: A JANUARY 19 EDITORIAL BY LOCAL PUNDIT NICO WAAGMEESTER CRITICIZED THE FREE TRADE AREA OF THE AMERICAS (FTAA) PROCESS FOR STRAYING FROM THE ORIGINAL IDEALS OF DEVELOPMENT, DEMOCRACY, FREE TRADE, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. WAAGMEESTER, A MEMBER OF THE CONSERVATIVE EMPLOYERS' UNION ( [...] |
2004-02-12 14:43:00 | Embassy Paramaribo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD PREL EMIN NS |
| 04PRETORIA3202 |
SOUTH AFRICAN TECHNOLOGY HELPS IRAN MINE COPPER [...] (SBU) Summary: Mintek, the South African state-owned minerals processing research institution, has entered into an agreement with the National Iranian Copper Industries Company (NICICO) to construct a USD 3-4 million heap bio- leaching pilot plant in Sarcheshmeh, Iran. Construction should beg [...] |
2004-07-15 09:55:00 | Embassy Pretoria | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN EINV EIND IR SF |
| 04PRETORIA3283 |
SOUTH AFRICA: REVIEW OF DR. ROBERT FINKELMAN'S [...] (U) Summary: On June 28, Dr. Finkelman, a coal scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey, completed a highly successful three-month tour-of-duty as Embassy Science Fellow. Dr. Finkelman met with more than 500 South Africans in over forty formal meetings, presentations, and seminars to officia [...] |
2004-07-20 14:38:00 | Embassy Pretoria | UNCLASSIFIED | KSCA EMIN SENV EIND BC MZ WA SF |
| 04PRETORIA3560 |
SOUTH AFRICA: DEBEERS CONTEMPLATES THE U.S. MARKET [...] (C) Summary: On July 28, Econoff and EconFSN sat down to an hour-long conversation with Jonathan Oppenheimer, Director of E. Oppenheimer and Sons and Managing Director of De Beers Consolidated Mines, Ltd., to review the landscape for De Beers in the wake of its July 13 settlement with the U.S. [...] |
2004-08-05 12:48:00 | Embassy Pretoria | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN EIND ETRD SF BC WA TZ AO CG GH CA |
| 04PRETORIA4117 |
South African Gold Industry in Crisis [...] (U) Summary: The South African gold mining industry is in trouble. End of June 2004 company results showed profits sharply down. In response, companies have laid off workers, closed shafts, and recalculated ore reserves as they move operations to higher-grade ore. Companies blame these probl [...] |
2004-09-13 10:33:00 | Embassy Pretoria | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN EINV EIND ECON SF |
| 04PRETORIA4322 |
SOUTH AFRICA: DE BEERS DIAMOND TECHNOLOGY FINDS [...] (U) Summary: De Beers, the world's largest producer of diamonds, has developed a fast x-ray scanner for diamond detection and analysis that also has useful application in the medical field. The Digital X-ray machine, called the Statscan, costs about $500,000 and can perform a full-body x- ra [...] |
2004-09-27 13:25:00 | Embassy Pretoria | UNCLASSIFIED | TNGD TBIO EMIN EINV EIND ECON SF AMED |
| 04PRETORIA4474 |
Labor Strikes hit top Platinum Producers [...] (U) Summary: Strike action by members of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) began slowly for the top two platinum producers in the world as talks with management broke down on October 1. By October 4, NUM had launched a full-blown strike against Anglo Platinum (Angloplats) and Impala Pla [...] |
2004-10-06 11:57:00 | Embassy Pretoria | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN EINV ELAB EIND ECON SF |
| 04PRETORIA4768 |
SOUTH AFRICA: AMBASSADOR MEETS MINISTER OF [...] (C) SUMMARY. Ambassador Jendayi Frazer called on Minister Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka of the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) on October 19, 2004. Ambassador Frazer stressed the need to move ahead on scheduling our first Joint Standing Committee on Nuclear Energy Cooperation and to bring cl [...] |
2004-10-28 16:12:00 | Embassy Pretoria | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN EPET ENRG KNNP TRGY PINR SF |
| 04PRETORIA4831 |
SOUTH AFRICA: FOREIGN MINING COMPANIES FILE [...] (C) Summary. Four foreign mining companies filed notices on October 29 with the Department of Minerals and Energy stating their intent to pursue legal action for mineral rights potentially lost as a result of the implementation of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act on May 1, [...] |
2004-11-03 15:26:00 | Embassy Pretoria | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EMIN EINV ETRD SF |
| 04QUEBEC35 |
QUEBEC NATURAL RESOURCE MINISTER ON SOFTWOOD,ENERGY [...] (SBU) Summary: Natural Resources Minister Sam Hamad told CG Keogh February 17 that a combination of allocation quotas at a level of 35% and dropping the 48/52 split of the accumulating duties as proposed by the U.S. would form the basis of a softwood lumber deal. A substantial portion of th [...] |
2004-02-24 18:27:00 | Consulate Quebec | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ENRG PREL PGOV EMIN CA |
| 04QUEBEC43 |
PAUL OGALIK REELECTED AS PREMIER OF NUNAVUT [...] (U) March 5, sitting Premier Paul Okalik received the consensus to continue as Premier of Nunavut over contender Tagak Curley, the MLA from Rankin Inlet. Ogalik brings his strengths of experience (he has had 5 years as Premier) and education, which includes a law degree, to the job. Now th [...] |
2004-03-08 13:27:00 | Consulate Quebec | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV SENV EMIN CA |
| 04ROME4648 |
ITALIAN REQUEST TO UPDATE NICKEL EXPORT AGREEMENT [...] Action Request -- See Paragraph 5. 2. The GOI recently contacted embassy regarding their interest in updating a 1982 agreement on issuance of certificates of origin for the export of nickel-bearing material to the U.S. The agreement was intended to ensure that such exports did not contain [...] |
2004-12-07 05:50:00 | Embassy Rome | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ETTC IT CU EXPORT CONTROLS |
| 05ABUJA1925 |
CHINA'S INFLUENCE IN NIGERIA [...] Summary. (U) The People's Republic of China (hereafter China) has been for some time expanding its economic and business activity in Nigeria. Trade, energy, telecoms, and agriculture are the main areas of activity. Military cooperation is also an important area of engagement, both with Nig [...] |
2005-10-07 07:35:00 | Embassy Abuja | SECRET//NOFORN | EAID ECON PREL MASS EMIN ENRG ETRD AF CH |
| 05ACCRA190 |
VALCO REBORN: ALCOA SIGNS MOU WITH GHANA GOVERNMENT [...] (SBU) On January 26, Alcoa signed an MOU with the GOG giving it the exclusive right to assess the feasibility of creating an integrated aluminum industry in Ghana which could pave the way for a USD 600 million investment. If both parties agree on the economic feasibility of the project after [...] |
2005-01-27 16:58:00 | Embassy Accra | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV EMIN ENRG GH EXIM OPIC |
| 05ACCRA2312 |
AMCIT HOSTAGE SITUATION RESOLVED AT GHANA GOLD MINE [...] (SBU) On November 9, Ghanaian mine workers held hostage senior staff, including Amcits, of a mine operated by the Ghanaian subsidiary )- Bogoso Gold Ltd. (BGL) -- of a U.S. based mining company, Golden Star. BGL informed Post and other affected Embassies about the situation on November 10, st [...] |
2005-11-11 10:25:00 | Embassy Accra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ELAB PREL PGOV EMIN GH |
| 05ACCRA2401 |
GHANA ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS, OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2005 [...] This report covers noteworthy economic events and activities in Ghana for October-November 2005. The issues covered are: -- Government Submits Annual Budget to Parliament -- World Bank Review of Consultative Group Meeting -- World Bank Seminar on Fighting Corruption -- Treasury Advisors Ho [...] |
2005-11-23 18:30:00 | Embassy Accra | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN EAGR PREL SENV EMIN GH |
| 05AMMAN6849 |
JORDAN BROMINE INVESTMENT DISPUTE RESOLVED [...] (U) SUMMARY: The Jordan Bromine Company (JBC) is the largest U.S. investment in Jordan. The company's Dead Sea plant produces bromine and related products for export and has just reached profitability ahead of schedule. An investment dispute involving operational control over the company [...] |
2005-08-24 12:32:00 | Embassy Amman | UNCLASSIFIED | EINV EIND EMIN JO |
| 05ANKARA1728 |
High Corporate Interest in Investor Advisory [...] (U) Foreign multinationals are showing considerable interest in Turkey's Investor Advisory Council, which will meet for the second time in April. Although Turkey has taken a number of concrete steps to improve the investment climate, and has enjoyed an increasingly positive macroeconomic situ [...] |
2005-03-24 15:25:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV BEXP EMIN CASC TU |
| 05ANKARA2408 |
TURNAROUND AT PRIVATIZED STEEL COMPANY [...] (U) Summary. Karabuk Iron and Steel Works (Kardemir) was rescued from closure in 1995 through the cooperative effort of labor, business, townspeople, the Chamber of Commerce and then-Prime Minister Tansu Ciller and, today, can be considered a successful privatization story. It is not, howev [...] |
2005-04-28 10:03:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED | EIND ELAB EMIN PGOV SOCI TU |
| 05ANKARA2667 |
TURKEY'S BORON IS NOT BORING [...] SUMMARY: As the holder of the world's largest Boron reserves, Turkey is eager to derive economic value from this mineral. Among a variety of applications in industry, use of Boron for fuel cells and the potential hydrogen economy is most promising. Turkey's relatively new Boron Institute aim [...] |
2005-05-09 13:04:00 | Embassy Ankara | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ENRG EINV TU |
| 05ASUNCION1095 |
PARAGUAY: DIALOGUE WITH TAIWAN ON PRC WHA [...] (S) The Taiwanese Ambassador to Paraguay took up his assignment this year. The Ambassador has infrequent social contact with him but believes the Taiwanese Ambassador would be amenable to contact on PRC activities. The Polcouns has relatively frequent social and professional contact with th [...] |
2005-08-31 15:34:00 | Embassy Asuncion | SECRET | EAGR ECON EFIN EMIN ENRG ETRD ETTC PHUM PREL CH PA |
| 05ATHENS1379 |
ATHENS ENERGY AND RESOURCES REPORTING CONTACTS [...] No summary [...] |
2005-05-19 11:49:00 | Embassy Athens | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EPET EMIN ENRG GR |
| 05BOGOTA5979 |
DRUMMOND LTD. SITE VISIT - LA LOMA COAL MINING [...] Summary. In a recent visit related to the Cartagena Energy Conference (reported reftel), Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Clay Sell and the DCM conducted a site tour of one of the world,s largest surface coal mining operations in Cesar Department, northern Colombia. Mike Tracy, Preside [...] |
2005-06-23 14:35:00 | Embassy Bogota | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG EMIN CO |
| 05BOGOTA6448 |
MINING SECTOR OVERVIEW [...] Summary. Colombia,s success in reforming regulation of the mining industry has enhanced the sector,s international competitiveness, created a more attractive investment climate, and in conjunction with similar reforms in the oil and gas sector (see reftel A) made the extractive sector the pr [...] |
2005-07-08 15:52:00 | Embassy Bogota | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG EMIN CO |
| 05BRASILIA1490 |
BRAZIL - ENERGY AND RESOURCES REPORTING OFFICERS [...] Per Reftel request, we are providing the following information on the energy and natural resources (commodity) reporting officers for Mission Brazil. 2. Name of Post: Brasilia Name of Energy Reporting Officer: Jared Banks Transfer Date: December 2005 (rotational assignment) Name o [...] |
2005-06-02 16:32:00 | Embassy Brasilia | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EPET EMIN ENRG BR |
| 05CALCUTTA418 |
ASSAM'S INSURGENT GROUPS QUIET FOR NOW BUT SOCIAL PROBLEMS [...] (SBU) Summary: November 5-10, CG made an introductory visit to the State of Assam, the gateway to India's Northeast. Ethnic insurgencies, poverty, drugs and economic stagnation have plagued Assam in recent history. However, some positive trends have emerged in moderating ethnic tensions and [...] |
2005-11-21 12:50:00 | Consulate Kolkata | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM PINR ECON EINV EMIN ASEC SNAR IN BG |
| 05CALGARY643 |
URANIUM: THE REVIVAL OF ENERGY'S "OTHER WHITE MEAT" [...] The international media buzz generated by Alberta's booming oil and gas industries has overshadowed a revival of interest in western Canada's uranium resources. Seemingly destined to be the "other white meat" of Canada's energy industry, uranium's fortunes had been in decline for a quarter-cen [...] |
2005-10-28 21:59:00 | Consulate Calgary | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ENRG ETRD PARM CH CA |
| 05DHAKA2440 |
CONTACT INFO ENERGY AND RESOURCES - BANGLADESH [...] No summary [...] |
2005-05-26 08:18:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EMIN EPET ENRG |
| 05DJIBOUTI995 |
CHINA'S INFLUENCE IN DJIBOUTI [...] (C) The Republic of Djibouti and the People's Republic of China have had diplomatic relations for 26 of the 28 years Djibouti has been independent. Over those 26 years, China has given a substantial amount of aid to Djibouti in the form of loans, grants, building projects and cooperative trade [...] |
2005-10-05 13:48:00 | Embassy Djibouti | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ECON ETRD EFIN EMIN EINV ENRG ETTC PHUM SENV AF CH DJ |
| 05GUATEMALA1751 |
POLITICALLY DRIVEN LOCAL REFERENDUMS SEEK TO BLOCK [...] (C) Referendums organized by two municipalities in different parts of Guatemala attempted to demonstrate massive local rejection of a large gold mine and a hydroelectric project. Organizers then declared that the people had spoken and demanded that the projects be stopped. The process of c [...] |
2005-07-19 22:21:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | EINV ENRG EMIN PGOV EAID SENV SNAR PHUM ELAB GT |
| 05GUATEMALA2050 |
CHINESE ACTIVITIES IN GUATEMALA [...] (S) Summary: Guatemala does not maintain substantial public or private sector ties with PRC China. Taiwanese influence in political and military affairs effectively blocks Chinese access. That influence has been maintained through direct assistance and bribes to government officials and is [...] |
2005-08-26 18:37:00 | Embassy Guatemala | SECRET | ECON PREL ETRD ETTC EINV ENRG EAGR EFIN EMIN PINS PGOV KCOR CH TW GT ESENV |
| 05HARARE1088 |
ZIMPLATS CEO ON CHINESE INTEREST IN PLATINUM [...] (C) Zimbabwe Platinum Mines (Zimplats) CEO Greg Sebborn told CDA on July 29 that his company was not worried about China's interest in Zimbabwean platinum in the long-term because China lacked the technological know-how to compete. However, the Chinese could cause short-term problems by levera [...] |
2005-08-02 10:22:00 | Embassy Harare | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EMIN EFIN ETRD PREL PGOV ZI |
| 05HARARE1331 |
IDEOLOGY, DESPERATION FUEL GOZ,S TIES TO CHINA [...] (C) Summary: The ruling ZANU-PF party has long maintained a close diplomatic and military relationship with China, dating back to the liberation war in the 1970,s. In recent years as the GOZ,s international isolation increased and the local economy nosedived, Zimbabwe has placed growing impor [...] |
2005-09-27 06:59:00 | Embassy Harare | SECRET//NOFORN | ECON EMIN PGOV PHUM PREL ZI CH |
| 05HARARE1674 |
THE 2006 BUDGET - FAULTY PREMISES UNDERMINE THE [...] (SBU) Zimbabwe,s 2006 budget, announced December 1 by Finance Minister Murerwa, is premised on a number of unrealistic projections, primarily a strong rebound in the agricultural and mining sectors. It forecasts 2-3.5 percent GDP growth in 2006, a fall in inflation to 80 percent by end-2006, [...] |
2005-12-12 14:31:00 | Embassy Harare | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR ECON EFIN EMIN PGOV |
| 05HARARE656 |
ZIMBABWE'S BELEAGUERED ECONOMY: CAN IT EVER BOUNCE [...] (C) Summary: Amembassy Harare's departing econchief offers some reflections on Zimbabwe's dismal economy, which has been in freefall since 1997. At each policy crossroads, the GOZ has chosen and rarely retreated from the interventionist path. Output in nearly every productive sector has falle [...] |
2005-05-06 09:57:00 | Embassy Harare | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EMIN ZI EFIN |
| 05HARARE871 |
ZIMPLATS STILL INVESTING DESPITE UNCERTAINTY [...] (C) Zimbabwe Platinum Mines (Pvt.) Ltd. (ZimPlats) CEO G. Sebborn told PolOff on June 21 that the company was open to expanding its Zimbabwe operations despite ongoing political and economic turmoil. However, the additional investment would be conditioned upon GOZ guarantees regarding land te [...] |
2005-06-23 13:45:00 | Embassy Harare | CONFIDENTIAL | EINV EMIN ECON PGOV ZI |
| 05KINGSTON188 |
INVESTMENT CLIMATE - JAMAICA 2005 [...] No summary [...] |
2005-01-21 20:11:00 | Embassy Kingston | UNCLASSIFIED | EINV EFIN ETRD EIND EAGR EMIN KTDB JM |
| 05KINSHASA1057 |
MINISTER OF MINES ANNOUNCES 40KG DRC URANIUM [...] (U) The DRC Minister of Mines, Ingele Ifoto, announced at a June 21 press conference that 40kg of enriched uranium had been confiscated in neighboring Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (ROC). The Minister told members of the press that the uranium, illegally exported from the DRC, is radioactiv [...] |
2005-06-28 15:44:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN KNNP ENRG PARM CG CF |
| 05KINSHASA1112 |
JUNE ECONOMIC OVERVIEW [...] (U) Summary. -- The Congolese Franc (FC) significantly appreciated against the USD and prices generally fell, though petroleum prices increased. -- In response to U.S. Coast Guard sanctions, the GDRC is trying to form a permanent commission to address port security. -- In the mining [...] |
2005-07-08 10:52:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EMIN ELAB CG |
| 05KINSHASA1149 |
CEEC PRESENTS RECOMMENDATIONS ON KIMBERLEY PROCESS [...] (U) Summary. July 8, the Centre d'Evaluation, d'Expertise et de Certification (CEEC), the DRC's mining regulatory body, met with various embassies in Kinshasa to present recommendations on Kimberley Process implementation. Victor Kasongo, the CEO of CEEC, outlined the difficulties of implem [...] |
2005-07-15 07:14:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EMIN EINV CG |
| 05KINSHASA1365 |
CONGO/B: CHINESE PRESENCE IN CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE [...] (U) SUMMARY: As was stated in Ref B, Chinese presence in the Republic of Congo (ROC) is on the rise. One corporation is constructing a hydroelectric dam, another is building low-income housing, another is bringing drinking water to low-income communities, and yet another is expanding televi [...] |
2005-08-24 13:07:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AF CH ECON EAGR EFIN EMIN ENRG ETTC PHUM PREL ETRD SENV CF ENIV |
| 05KINSHASA1614 |
CHINA'S INFLUENCE IN AFRICA: EXPANDING IN THE DRC [...] (C) As is the case in many African nations, China is working hard to expand its ties with the DRC. Chinese interest in the DRC comes at a moment when the GDRC is itself searching for significant investment to assist with social and economic development, as well as equipment (such as boots and [...] |
2005-09-29 08:28:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EMIN ETRD PREL CG CH |
| 05KINSHASA1678 |
NEW CAST OF CHARACTERS FOR GDRC PARASTATALS [...] (C) PolCouns met in September with Ngoba Maloba, the former CEO of the Congolese electricity company SNEL, who was replaced in the August 5 realignment of the directors of most of the major Congolese parastatals. Although Maloba complained bitterly that he was the victim of &political deals,8 [...] |
2005-10-07 10:04:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ECON EMIN KCOR CB |
| 05KINSHASA2021 |
Congo/Brazzaville: Start-up of Magnesium [...] 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 pr [...] |
2005-12-12 10:14:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN EINV ECON CF |
| 05KINSHASA731 |
CONGOLESE MINING PRIMER [...] (U) Summary: The natural resources wealth of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is enormous, including diamonds, copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc, uranium, gold, coltan, niobium, and cassiterite. As the DRC turns its eyes to peacetime economic development, the mining sector will become ever mo [...] |
2005-04-29 16:16:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN ECON PGOV PREL CG |
| 05KINSHASA880 |
DRC PLEDGES ADVANCES IN MINING TRANSPARENCY [...] (C) Summary. Vice - President Jean-Pierre Bemba has inaugurated the DRC's participation in an international effort to promote transparency in extractive industries. Bemba claims real commitment to promoting mining industry transparency, but his actions may be merely politically motivated. Se [...] |
2005-05-29 15:58:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EMIN EPET EFIN CG |
| 05KINSHASA911 |
WORLD BANK PLANS FUNDING SHIFT IN DRC [...] (C) Summary. World Bank (WB) representative Pedro Alba told emboffs that the Bank intends to shift its funding in the DRC from emergency rehabilitation projects to sectoral projects. The Bank is considering providing support for Rwanda's gas exploitation of Lake Kivu, but will insist that Rw [...] |
2005-06-02 16:30:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EMIN EFIN EAID SENV CG |
| 05KUWAIT247 |
IRANIAN WATER IMPORT AGREEMENT CANCELED [...] (U) Kuwait English daily Arab Times reported January 16 that a Kuwaiti-Iranian MOU signed in 2003 (ref. c) to import Iranian water into Kuwait was canceled by Iranian authorities due to inaction by the Iranian Majlis and Guardian Council and Kuwait's National Assembly. 2. (U) Iranian Deputy [...] |
2005-01-17 06:27:00 | Embassy Kuwait | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL EMIN ETRD KU IR KUWAIT IRAN RELATIONS |
| 05LIMA1390 |
AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES MINING AND DEVELOPMENT IN [...] (SBU) Summary. During a March 3-5 trip to Cajamarca in Northern Peru, the Ambassador met with local dignitaries to discuss mining and economic development, toured the Newmont- operated Yanacocha mine, and visited with Peace Corps volunteers. Cajamarca has more factors in its favor than virt [...] |
2005-03-23 12:55:00 | Embassy Lima | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN EINV ECON PGOV PE |
| 05LIMA2115 |
TINTAYA MINE: FROM CONFLICT TO COOPERATION [...] (SBU) Conflicts between communities and mining companies are among the most serious problems that confront Peru. One company, however, stands out as an exception: BHP Billiton, an Australian firm with a copper mine in Tintaya, has succeeded in ameliorating once highly conflictive relations w [...] |
2005-05-10 19:12:00 | Embassy Lima | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV EMIN SOCI ETRD ECON EAID ENRG PGOV PHUM PE |
| 05LIMA3571 |
MAJAZ ANTI-MINING VIOLENCE ON ECUADOR BORDER [...] No summary [...] |
2005-08-17 21:24:00 | Embassy Lima | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN PGOV SNAR ASEC EINV ENRG PE |
| 05LIMA3609 |
MINING COMPANIES WORRIED ABOUT SECURITY [...] (SBU) Summary: The U.S. and Canadian Ambassadors hosted a meeting on August 11 for representatives of international mining companies to review their operating difficulties in Peru and to coordinate efforts to improve the investment climate. Consensus among the companies is that radical forces [...] |
2005-08-19 18:20:00 | Embassy Lima | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN ETRD SNAR PTER ECON EINV PGOV PE |
| 05MADRID1676 |
SPAIN'S COAL INDUSTRY: THE WAY FORWARD [...] SUMMARY: Coal is currently a critical part of the Spanish energy industry, although its domestic production continues to rely on public subsidies to remain viable. The recent moratorium on EU coal subsidies to Spain will force the Spanish government to re-examine the future of the industry. P [...] |
2005-04-29 12:34:00 | Embassy Madrid | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG EMIN ECON PGOV SP |
| 05MANILA3811 |
USGS DISCUSSES JOINT MINERAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT [...] (SBU) In meetings in Manila with senior GRP officials, USGS Acting Director Leahy confirmed the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) intentions to develop a work plan with the GRP to conduct the first phase of a mineral resources assessment of the Philippines. Department of Environment and Natura [...] |
2005-08-18 09:57:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN SENV EINV ECON BEXP RP |
| 05MANILA5457 |
USGS PREPARES WORK PLAN FOR SURVEY OF MINERALS [...] In meetings in Manila with the GRP's senior geologists, a team of experts from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) drafted a work plan for the first phase of a mineral resources assessment of the Philippines. Phase one involves gathering existing data in digital format for release to the publi [...] |
2005-11-22 09:20:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN SENV EINV ECON BEXP RP |
| 05MANILA5790 |
GRP WILL SUPPORT U.S. AT MONTREAL PROTOCOL MEETING [...] (SBU) Charge met with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Defensor on December 7 and delivered points in ref A. Defensor said he would instruct the GRP's delegation to support approval of a critical use exemption for the United States (26.4 percent) in accordance [...] |
2005-12-13 04:17:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SENV AORC EAGR ETRD PREL PINS EMIN RP |
| 05MAPUTO1404 |
MOZAMBIQUE - SEPTEMBER ECONOMIC DIGEST [...] This is a brief summary of significant economic developments in Mozambique in September 2005. We provide it as a supplement to our other reporting. This issue of the Digest contains, mainly, information on new assistance flows. The items discussed are as follows: -- USG Title I Grant -- [...] |
2005-10-27 13:54:00 | Embassy Maputo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ECON EAID EINV ETRD EMIN ENRG MZ |
| 05MAPUTO726 |
MOZAMBIQUE - PETROLEUM EXPLORATION RIGHTS INTEREST [...] (SBU) Summary: The GRM will open a bidding round in July for deepwater exploration rights off the coast of the northern province of Cabo Delgado. Two American companies, Anadarko and Vanco, have indicated to the Embassy and the GRM that they believe the region may have oil, and plan to enter b [...] |
2005-06-10 13:43:00 | Embassy Maputo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN ENRG EPET ETRD EINV MZ |
| 05MUSCAT298 |
BECHTEL SNAGS BILLION DOLLAR PROJECT IN OMAN [...] (SBU) Summary: Bechtel's Regional Manager has informed the Ambassador that Bechtel won the construction contract for a large aluminum smelter in the city of Sohar. This $1.3 billion project, scheduled to be completed by 2008, will eventually employ around 2000 people and marks another milesto [...] |
2005-02-22 02:46:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | BEXP EINV EIND EMIN ELAB MU |
| 05MUSCAT815 |
SOHAR: BOOMTOWN OMAN [...] (C) Summary: The city of Sohar on Oman's Batinah Coast near the UAE border is poised for dramatic growth as billions of investment dollars pour into a massive industrial port project. Representing Oman's most visible diversification effort, Sohar will be transformed over the next five years as [...] |
2005-05-18 10:50:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | EINV EWWT EIND ETRD EMIN MU |
| 05NASSAU1601 |
CHINESE ACTIVITIES IN THE BAHAMAS [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Chinese presence in The Bahamas has been steadily expanding since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1997. The PRC and the GCOB have exchanged high-level delegations to discuss the full range of international political issues, explore economic opportunitie [...] |
2005-09-08 18:46:00 | Embassy Nassau | SECRET | ECON PREL ETRD ETTC EINV ENRG EAGR EFIN PHUM EMIN CH BF ESENV |
| 05NDJAMENA1492 |
CHINA'S LIMITED INFLUENCE IN CHAD [...] (SBU) Summary: Since 1997, N'Djamena's official recognition of Taiwan has limited Chinese influence in Chad. Chinese firms, however, are interested in becoming involved in Chad's oil sector. Chad is not taking the People's Republic of China up on recent overtures. End Summary. 2. (SBU) [...] |
2005-10-04 13:57:00 | Embassy Ndjamena | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR ECON CD EFIN EMIN ENRG ETRD ETTC PREL SENV AF CH ENIV |
| 05PRETORIA2175 |
SOUTH AFRICAN URANIUM PRODUCTION [...] (U) South Africa is ranked fourth in world uranium reserves and tenth in uranium production. In 2004, all uranium production came from AngloGold Ashanti's Vaal River mine and dump treatment operations. Currently, South Africa has two concentration plants,both owned by AngloGold Ashanti,that p [...] |
2005-06-02 15:09:00 | Embassy Pretoria | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ENRG TRGY PARM KNNP EIND ECON MI NG WA ZA SF DRC |
| 05PRETORIA745 |
SOUTH AFRICA: BIG GOLD AT SOUTH DEEP [...] (SBU) Summary. Placer Dome (Canada) and Western Areas (South Africa) officially commissioned their new ultra deep Twin Shaft Complex at South Deep on February 4. Deputy President Jacob Zuma attended the event on behalf of the government, and used the occasion to deliver a hard-hitting speech [...] |
2005-02-18 08:49:00 | Embassy Pretoria | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN EINV CA SF |
| 05PRETORIA922 |
DTI DISCUSSES BEE WITH COMMERCE DAS VINEYARD [...] (SBU) Summary. At a meeting on February 18 with Ms. Polo Radebe, Director of Black Economic Empowerment in the Department of Trade and Industry, Commerce DAS Holly Vineyard expressed U.S. support for the goals of BEE but underlined the need for flexibility in implementing its provisions, par [...] |
2005-03-02 15:09:00 | Embassy Pretoria | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EINV EFIN EMIN SF AGOA USTR |
| 05RABAT626 |
PHOSPHATES: LIFEBLOOD OF MOROCCO, OR ENVIRONMENTAL [...] Summary: Phosphates and their derivatives account for three percent of Morocco's economy and 17 percent of its yearly exports. Morocco has virtually-limitless phosphate reserves and state-owned phosphates company OCP is the world's largest exporter of phosphate rock, phosphoric acid and fer [...] |
2005-03-29 17:58:00 | Embassy Rabat | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ECON ETRD EINV SENV MO |
| 05RIODEJANEIRO973 |
Rio Pol/Econ Roundup July 2005 - I [...] No summary [...] |
2005-07-22 10:31:00 | Consulate Rio De Janeiro | UNCLASSIFIED | EAIR EMIN ENRG EFIN ECON BR |
| 05SANJOSE2020 |
CHINESE ACTIVITIES IN COSTA RICA [...] (C) Summary. Costa Rica officially established diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1959 and is one of only 26 countries to officially recognize Taiwan. Costa Rica has no official diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China (China or PRC). (Note: Post will follow WTO naming convent [...] |
2005-08-26 22:27:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PREL ETRD ETTC EINV ENRG EAGR EFIN PHUM EMIN CH CS ESENV |
| 05SANSALVADOR2426 |
CHINESE ACTIVITIES IN EL SALVADOR [...] (U) The following is provided in response to Ref. B. Summary ------- 2. (C) El Salvador does not have diplomatic relations with China and instead has ties with Taiwan. As a result, official Salvadoran contact with the Chinese is limited. Trade and investment volumes are very low. However, [...] |
2005-08-30 21:26:00 | Embassy San Salvador | SECRET | ECON PREL ETRD ETTC EINV ENRG EAGR EFIN PHUM EMIN CH ES ESENV |
| 05SANTIAGO1794 |
CHILE: INCREASING TIES WITH CHINA [...] (S/NF) Summary: Chile is trying to position itself as the business platform for Latin America. It is using China's interest in stable suppliers -- primarily for copper -- to increase ties with its second largest bilateral trading partner after the U.S. and with the Pacific Basin as a whole. Chile [...] |
2005-08-29 11:29:00 | Embassy Santiago | SECRET//NOFORN | EAGR ECON EFIN EINV EMIN ENRG ETRD ETTC PHUM PREL SENV CH |
| 05SANTODOMINGO3929 |
(C) DIALOGUE WITH TAIWAN ON PRC WHA ACTIVITIES [...] (C) Taiwan's ambassador to the Dominican Republic John Feng welcomes informal contact and has readily commented to us upon various visits of PRC officials during the first year of the Fernandez administration. This cordial arrangement works well for us and we see no need to make it more formal [...] |
2005-08-08 19:15:00 | Embassy Santo Domingo | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR ECON EFIN EMIN ENRG ETRD ETTC PHUM |
| 05SANTODOMINGO4104 |
SANTO DOMINGO: CHINESE ACTIVITIES IN DOMINICAN [...] No summary [...] |
2005-08-26 13:04:00 | Embassy Santo Domingo | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PREL ETRD ETTC EINV ENRG EAGR EFIN PHUM EMIN CH |
| 05TEGUCIGALPA1967 |
U.S. Owned Firm Agregados Maya Claims Conspiracy [...] (SBU) Summary: Citing intransigence and possible misconduct by Government of Honduras municipal, mining, and environmental officials, Agregados Maya, a construction aggregates (sand and gravel) mining company owned by American citizen Kevin Ericsson Yohn, claims they have been unable to protec [...] |
2005-09-26 17:17:00 | Embassy Tegucigalpa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN EINV ETRD ECON SENV HO |
| 05TEGUCIGALPA774 |
HONDURAN ENVIRONMENT MINISTER ON MINING: SLOW [...] (SBU) Summary: EmbOffs and USAIDOffs met with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Patricia Panting, on April 6 to discuss mining issues, specifically a ban that has been in place since June 2004 on the granting of any new mining concessions in Honduras. Minister Panting defende [...] |
2005-04-12 18:33:00 | Embassy Tegucigalpa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN SENV EINV ECON PGOV HO |
| 05VIENNA1702 |
EMBASSY VIENNA ENERGY AND RESOURCES REPORTING [...] Following information is keyed to reftel request: Energy and Natural Resources Reporting Officer: Phillip Nelson ETD: 08/2008 Phone: (43)-1-31339-2299 Fax: (43)-1-31339-2916 Email: nelsonpr@state.gov Local Address: 16 Boltzmanngasse 1090 Vienna Aus [...] |
2005-05-23 14:14:00 | Embassy Vienna | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EPET EMIN ENRG AU |
| 05VIENNA3879 |
MERCURY PARTNERSHIPS WITH AUSTRIA: NOT NOW, MAYBE [...] Post discussed reftel talking points December 9 with Raimund Quint, Deputy Head in the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment's Chemicals Policy Department. Quint said the GoA welcomed the idea of partnerships in principle. However, he noted that financial and budgetary restraints currently [...] |
2005-12-14 15:54:00 | Embassy Vienna | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV EMIN AU UNEP |
| 05WELLINGTON967 |
NEW ZEALAND RESPONSE FOR SUPPORT OF PARTNERSHIPS [...] Poloff on December 6 provided reftel demarche points to Lesley Woudberg, Senior Advisor, Environment Division, NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). On December 13, Woudberg responded that GNZ is following the UN Environment Program (UNEP) 2005 decision on mercury closely and is i [...] |
2005-12-15 03:58:00 | Embassy Wellington | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV EMIN UNEP NZ |
| 06ABIDJAN1406 |
DIAMOND MINING IN COTE D'IVOIRE'S NORTH-CENTRAL [...] (C) Summary: In the north-central region of Cote d'Ivoire near Korhogo, diamonds are mined using traditional methods of searching riverbeds with sieves. The yield from this particular region is small--perhaps a few hundred stones a month collectively--and offers a subsistence living for the [...] |
2006-12-21 16:15:00 | Embassy Abidjan | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN IV |
| 06ACCRA1236 |
GHANA ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS MAY 2006 [...] No summary [...] |
2006-05-31 13:19:00 | Embassy Accra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV EAID ETRD EAIR EMIN GH |
| 06ACCRA2954 |
GHANA: PRECIOUS MINERALS MARKETING COMPANY OUTLINES [...] (U) SUMMARY: EconChief and EconOff met with Acting Managing Director Aristotle Kotey and Deputy Managing Director (Operations) George Asante of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company Ltd. (PMMC) on December 6, 2006, to discuss the actions Ghana has taken to ensure compliance with the minimum r [...] |
2006-12-11 17:25:00 | Embassy Accra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN ECON EFIN AO GH |
| 06ACCRA3057 |
BELGIAN AMBASSADOR ON GHANA AND COTE D'IVOIRE [...] (U) On December 21, Belgium's Ambassador to Ghana (based in Cote d'Ivoire) Dirk Verheyen paid a courtesy call on CDA Brown. He noted that Belgium's Embassy in Ghana was burned down 45 years ago in a local reaction to the murder of Congo's Patrice Lumumba. Belgium has never rebuilt the Emba [...] |
2006-12-29 08:45:00 | Embassy Accra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | BE CI EMIN GH PREL |
| 06AITTAIPEI2973 |
RICH GAS HYDRATE FOUND OFF TAIWAN [...] SUMMARY. Taiwan confirmed the discovery of rich reserves of gas hydrate deposits off its southwestern waters. The current technology for gas hydrate extraction is not yet fully developed, but the new energy source could meet domestic consumption of natural gas for more than 60 years. Experts fr [...] |
2006-08-28 08:47:00 | American Institute Taiwan, Taipei | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN EMIN ENRG TW |
| 06AITTAIPEI686 |
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY'S NEW ROLE: MAPPING AND [...] (C) Summary: Now that Taiwan has exhausted most of its mining resources, the Central Geological Survey spends most of its resources on mapping the island. However, the Survey still conducts some mining surveys and has a major role in providing expert geologic advice for construction projects [...] |
2006-03-06 05:17:00 | American Institute Taiwan, Taipei | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG SENV EMIN KNNP TW |
| 06AITTAIPEI901 |
WHILE TAIWAN AND PRC PLAY FOR CHAD OIL, WORLD BANK [...] (C) Summary. The $30-million dollar Chad/Taiwan oil exploration agreement looks good for Taiwan on the surface, this is an energy poor island which needs oil to meet its energy needs has found a new source in Africa, and can use this latest project to assist cash-strapped Chad and maintain its [...] |
2006-03-17 10:08:00 | American Institute Taiwan, Taipei | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN EMIN ENRG PREL CH CD TW |
| 06AMMAN2073 |
JORDAN'S PARTIAL PRIVATIZATION OF PHOSPHATE [...] (C) SUMMARY: Jordan's recent sale of a 37% stake in the Jordan Phosphate Mining Corporation (JPMC) to the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA) for US$110 million met with public and parliamentary disapproval before the deal was concluded. Given BIA's overall size of over US$100 billion, the investme [...] |
2006-03-22 07:21:00 | Embassy Amman | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN KPRV EMIN EIND ECON JO BX |
| 06ASMARA250 |
FROM ROCKS TO RICHES: MINERAL WEALTH IN ERITREA [...] (U) Summary: Biblical tales of wealth from the Pharaohs of the Fourth Dynasty and stories of old Italian gold mines shape the dreams and expectations of miners in Eritrea. Presently, five foreign companies are in various stages of exploration, some having made significant finds of gold, silve [...] |
2006-03-14 08:31:00 | Embassy Asmara | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN ETRD ER |
| 06ASMARA515 |
FINANCING MINERAL EXTRACTION IN ERITREA: WHO WILL [...] (C) Summary: Despite on-going concerns about the practicality of foreign investment in Eritrea, private mining companies continue to actively seek foreign investors to bankroll the mineral extraction. Since March several development banks, private banks and private companies have traveled to E [...] |
2006-06-15 13:36:00 | Embassy Asmara | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN ETRD ECON ER |
| 06ASMARA517 |
FINANCING MINERAL EXTRACTION IN ERITREA: WHO WILL [...] (C) Summary: Despite on-going concerns about the practicality of foreign investment in Eritrea, private mining companies continue to actively seek foreign investors to bankroll the mineral extraction. Since March several development banks, private banks and private companies have traveled to E [...] |
2006-06-15 14:37:00 | Embassy Asmara | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN ETRD ECON ER |
| 06BEIJING21079 |
VISIT OF OSHA A/S EDWIN G. FOULKE, JR. TO CHINA [...] SUMMARY: DOL Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., led an OSHA delegation to China September 17-24 to attend the Third China International Forum on Work Safety and meet with officials of the State Administration for Work Safety (SAWS). Chinese Governme [...] |
2006-10-05 08:03:00 | Embassy Beijing | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB EMIN ECON PREL PGOV PINR CH |
| 06BEIJING23804 |
CHINESE AND U.S. EXPERTS DISCUSS COAL MINE [...] (SBU) Summary: On October 21-22, the American Center for International Labor Solidarity (ACILS) co- hosted a conference on "Legal Means to Address the Problem of Mine Accidents" with Chinese experts in Beijing. The Chinese experts were extremely candid about the seriousness of China's mine [...] |
2006-11-16 05:41:00 | Embassy Beijing | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB PGOV PHUM EMIN CH |
| 06BEIJING24176 |
Work Safety Minister Publicly Denounces [...] (U) According to the State Administration for Work Safety (SAWS) 3,726 coal mine workers died in mine accidents between January 1 and October 31, 2006. This carnage has continued in November. Based on press reports alone, Embassy is aware of 10 coal mine accidents in November, resulting in a [...] |
2006-11-30 05:53:00 | Embassy Beijing | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB PGOV PHUM EMIN CH |
| 06BEIJING24641 |
LABOR SECRETARY CHAO'S MEETING WITH SAWS MINISTER [...] No summary [...] |
2006-12-19 09:38:00 | Embassy Beijing | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB ECON PREL PHUM EMIN ENRG PBIO CH |
| 06BEIJING24655 |
LABOR SECRETARY CHAO'S MEETING WITH SAWS MINISTER [...] (SBU) Summary: Li Yizhong, Minister for the State Administration for Work Safety (SAWS) met with Labor Secretary Chao on December 15, after the conclusion of the SIPDIS Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED). SAWS did not participate in the SED. Secretary Chao told Li that the SED was a histo [...] |
2006-12-20 00:47:00 | Embassy Beijing | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB ECON PREL PHUM EMIN ENRG PBIO CH |
| 06BEIJING7924 |
Safety Watchdogs Make Improvements in Mine Safety [...] (SBU) Summary: The State Administration for Work Safety (SAWS), Ministry of Labor and Social Security and All-China Federation of Trade Unions have deployed over 50,000 mass safety supervisors in China's coal mines, according to the Deputy Director General of the Mine Safety Department of SAW [...] |
2006-04-26 23:11:00 | Embassy Beijing | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB ETRD EMIN PHUM PGOV CH |
| 06BEIJING7927 |
Safety Watchdogs Make Improvements in Mine Safety [...] (SBU) Summary: The State Administration for Work Safety (SAWS), Ministry of Labor and Social Security and All-China Federation of Trade Unions have deployed over 50,000 mass safety supervisors in China's coal mines, according to the Deputy Director General of the Mine Safety Department of SAW [...] |
2006-04-26 23:12:00 | Embassy Beijing | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB ETRD EMIN PHUM PGOV CH |
| 06BISHKEK1741 |
A TALE OF CORRUPTION IN THE KYRGYZ PRIVATIZATION [...] (C) Summary: Deputy Parliament Speaker Alymbekov revealed to Ambassador aspects of a murky privatization deal for the Kyrgyz tin and tungsten company "ShPU." According to Alymbekov, the government inexplicably selected the lower of two bids for "ShPU," rejecting a much higher bid from a U.S. [...] |
2006-12-11 10:54:00 | Embassy Bishkek | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KCOR ECON EINV EMIN KG |
| 06BOGOTA3049 |
DRUMMOND HAS MAJORITY STAKE IN NEW RAIL CONCESSION [...] (U) Summary. The U.S. based Drummond Co. recently purchased a controlling share of a new rail concession linking Colombia's coal belt in Cesar with the northern coast ports of Cienaga and Santa Marta, resolving one of Colombia's most serious trade irritants. Drummond and other coal companie [...] |
2006-04-06 13:44:00 | Embassy Bogota | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ENRG EMIN CO |
| 06BOGOTA5067 |
LOSSES MOUNT AS COLOMBIA'S COAL STRIKE CONTINUES [...] No summary [...] |
2006-06-06 22:33:00 | Embassy Bogota | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EMIN EPET CO |
| 06BOGOTA5175 |
GLENCORE SETTLES BUT DRUMMOND STILL ON STRIKE [...] (C) Production has resumed at the La Jagua Ibirico mine after striking workers and the Glencore Corp. reached agreement on a new labor contract late on June 7. Ever Causado, Secretary General of the coal miners' union involved in the strike, told Laboff the settlement included an 8 percent wa [...] |
2006-06-08 22:16:00 | Embassy Bogota | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN ENRG EINV CO |
| 06BOGOTA5384 |
IMPASSE ON DRUMMOND COAL STRIKE [...] (C) Summary: Drummond has suspended talks with its coal workers, citing a lack of good faith negotiating on the part of union leaders. While both sides remain far apart on compensation issues (salary and benefits), negotiations appear to be stalled over a "just cause" provision, protecting wo [...] |
2006-06-14 15:55:00 | Embassy Bogota | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB EMIN EINV CO |
| 06BOGOTA5395 |
TENTATIVE SETTLEMENT AT DRUMMOND [...] (C) Early June 14, Drummond reached a tentative agreement with leaders of the miners' union to end the 23 day-long strike. Drummond's President of Coal Operations, Mike Tracy of Drummond, said the agreement would be put to a vote of the union rank and file members later in the day. 2. (C) A [...] |
2006-06-14 18:34:00 | Embassy Bogota | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB EMIN ENRG EINV CO |
| 06BOGOTA5486 |
UNION REJECTS TENTATIVE SETTLEMENT OFFER FROM [...] (C) According to Mike Tracy, Drummond's President of Coal Operations, the union representing Drummond's striking miners rejected the June 14 agreement which had been reached between the U.S. company and union negotiators (reftel). The union did not hold a rank and file vote. According to Tra [...] |
2006-06-15 22:56:00 | Embassy Bogota | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB EMIN ENRG CO |
| 06BOGOTA5712 |
DRUMMOND STRIKE ENDS [...] On June 22, the Drummond company and the union representing its workers, SINTRAMINENERGETICA, signed a new labor contract, ending a 32 day strike. Both Mike Tracy, Drummond Director for Mining Operations, and union representative Francisco Ramirez, separately told Emboffs they were "very hap [...] |
2006-06-26 13:29:00 | Embassy Bogota | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB EMIN EINV ENRG CO |
| 06BOGOTA7731 |
1.7 TRILLION CUBIC FEET METHANE GAS DISCOVERY AT [...] (C) U.S. based Drummond Corporation announced a 1.7 trillion cubic feet find of methane gas at their coal facility in La Loma, Cesar and at another block in La Guajira. The deposits increase by more than one-third Colombia's total reserves, presently estimated at 4.7 trillion cubic feet. The [...] |
2006-08-23 22:30:00 | Embassy Bogota | CONFIDENTIAL | EINV ENRG EMIN VE CO |
| 06BOGOTA9120 |
COAL IN COLOMBIA -- ENJOYING A POST-STRIKE BOOM [...] No summary [...] |
2006-10-03 19:52:00 | Embassy Bogota | CONFIDENTIAL | ENRG EMIN ETRD CO |
| 06BOGOTA9454 |
ECOGAS PRIVATIZATION -- A DRY RUN FOR ECOPETROL? [...] A pension fund consortium bidding for the ownership of Ecogas, Colombia's state-owned natural gas transportation company, failed to meet the minimum required purchase price for the company. Under Colombia's constitution, the failure of the "solidarity sector" (pension funds or unions) to meet [...] |
2006-10-13 19:08:00 | Embassy Bogota | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG EMIN EINV CO |
| 06BRASILIA1056 |
BRAZIL - CVRD ON CHAVEZ AND CHINA [...] (SBU) Charge, CG and Econoff spoke to Brazilian mining giant Companhia Vale Rio Doce (CVRD) Director of Foreign Affairs, Renato Amorim, on May 26 about the company's stake in the current turmoil in the Latin American business climate and the increasing influence, often to Brazil's detriment, of [...] |
2006-05-31 19:15:00 | Embassy Brasilia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN EPET PREL BR CH VE |
| 06BRASILIA1132 |
NSG PRELIMINARY READOUT [...] Summary: The May 29-June 2 NSG Plenary in Brasilia featured a low-key review of the India civil nuclear cooperation initiative, with the USDEL Chairman suggesting that India be invited to the October 2006 NSG Plenary in Vienna to brief the group on its plans. Participating Governments expresse [...] |
2006-06-07 18:43:00 | Embassy Brasilia | UNCLASSIFIED | TRGY TNGD EMIN KSCA BR |
| 06BRASILIA410 |
NEVER MINED: ILLEGAL TRAFFICKING ARRESTS ROCK KIMBERLEY [...] (SBU) Summary: Six people, including one GoB official, were arrested February 10 in a sting operation to stop the trafficking of illegally certified diamonds in Brazil. The gang is accused of illegal mining, document fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and possible blood diamond trade. The Br [...] |
2006-02-27 16:48:00 | Embassy Brasilia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SNAR ETTC EMIN EFIN PTER BR |
| 06BRASILIA512 |
LULA NEGATES MINISTER'S NUCLEAR ENERGY PROCLOMATION [...] Summary: Last week in an interview with the BBC, Brazil's Minister of Science and Technology, Sergio Rezende, claimed that the GoB wants to and is ready to approve a new plan to build 7 new nuclear reactors over the next 15 years. His statements are the continuation of a debate surrounding the [...] |
2006-03-15 14:21:00 | Embassy Brasilia | UNCLASSIFIED | TRGY TNGD EMIN KSCA BR |
| 06BRASILIA981 |
BRAZIL ENRICHES URANIUM AND RENEWS CALLS FOR ANGRA III [...] Summary: In addition to renewed speculation regarding the resumed construction of Angra III, Brazil also entered an exclusive club of 7 nations worldwide with the capacity to dominate the complete nuclear fuel cycle. Following a discreet inauguration ceremony, Brazil detailed its short-term go [...] |
2006-05-19 18:03:00 | Embassy Brasilia | UNCLASSIFIED | TRGY TNGD EMIN KSCA BR |
| 06BUENOSAIRES442 |
ARGENTINA'S 2005 MINING REPORT [...] Secretary of Mining Jorge Mayoral paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador to present an overview of mining activity in Argentina from the onset of the economic crisis of 2002 to the present. Mayoral highlighted the growth in the number of exploration projects and drew attention to investment [...] |
2006-02-24 15:31:00 | Embassy Buenos Aires | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN EINV ECON AR |
| 06CALCUTTA306 |
NORTHEAST INDIAN STATE MEGHALAYA STRUGGLES WITH SOCIAL AND [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: July 7-8, 2006 ConGen visited the Northeast state of Meghalaya to meet senior government officials and to attend a regional conference on trafficking in persons in the capital, Shillong. Meghalaya's persistent insurgency problem appears to have moderated, with the two dominant [...] |
2006-07-18 09:28:00 | Consulate Kolkata | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM ECON KWMN EMIN ASEC IN BG |
| 06CALCUTTA66 |
MINERAL RICH JHARKHAND SUFFERS INSURGENCY AND POVERTY [...] (SBU) February 5-8, CG visited the Eastern Indian state of Jharkhand to assess the economic development, security, religious freedom and the political situation. A new state, established only in 2000, Jharkhand is still experiencing serious growing pains. The National Democratic Alliance (ND [...] |
2006-02-14 12:20:00 | Consulate Kolkata | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON ASEC EIND EMIN SOCI PHUM IN |
| 06CARACAS2047 |
THE BRV'S PROPOSED MINING SECTOR REFORM: CHAVEZ [...] (U) SUMMARY: On June 20, 2006, the Ministry of Basic Industries and Mines (MIBAM) proposed legislation in the National Assembly to reform Venezuela's mining laws and thereby empower the BRV to increase its control over the mining sector. Modeled on its reform of the petroleum sector, the bill [...] |
2006-07-10 15:47:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EMIN EINV EIND VE |
| 06CONAKRY1665 |
PROTESTS IN KAMSAR AS LABOR DISPUTE SPARKS EMPLOYEE ANGER [...] (SBU) Summary. Senior managers of the Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinee (CBG), in which the U.S. firm Alcoa is a major partner, are the targets of passionate protests by CBG employees and their dependants, angered by recent cutbacks in long-provided benefits and services. Protesters -- mainly [...] |
2006-11-08 10:23:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB EMIN PINS ASEC CASC GV |
| 06CONAKRY1696 |
GLOBAL ALUMINA ENTERS NEW PARTNERSHIP TO GAIN NECESSARY [...] (SBU/PROPIN) Summary. Global Alumina is entering into a new strategic partnership, via joint venture with BHP Billiton (BHP), one of the world's leading alumina producers, and Dubai Aluminum (DUBAL), owner of one of the world's largest alumina smelters. Once the BHP board approves the deal, [...] |
2006-11-15 12:18:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN ETRD ECON PGOV GV |
| 06DAKAR1940 |
AMBASSADOR SIGNS USTDA GRANT FOR FEASIBILITY [...] On August 1, Senegalese Minister of Energy and Mines Madicke Niang and Ambassador Jacobs presided over a signing ceremony formalizing a USD 314,000 feasibility study grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to the Direction of Mining to assess the costs of transporting mined p [...] |
2006-08-11 16:16:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED | BEXP EMIN SG |
| 06DHAKA5452 |
DEMONSTRATIONS AT COAL MINE TURN VIOLENT [...] Police and the Bangladesh Rifles opened fire August 26 on demonstrators in Phulbari (Northwest Bangladesh) protesting UK listed Asia Energy Corporation's plans to begin open cast coal mining in the area. At least seven protestors were killed and 60-300 people were injured, according to rep [...] |
2006-08-28 10:27:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG EINV PGOV EMIN BG |
| 06FREETOWN1007 |
MIXED REACTIONS TO BLOOD DIAMOND MOVIE IN SIERRA [...] (SBU) Sierra Leonean reactions to the soon-to-be released Blood Diamond movie set in Sierra Leone are mixed. Due for release on December 8, the movie comes amidst an upsurge in public awareness about the conflict diamond trade and has drawn increasing attention to the African diamond mining [...] |
2006-12-11 10:05:00 | Embassy Freetown | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV ECON EFIN EAID ETRD EMIN SL |
| 06FREETOWN247 |
SIERRA LEONE FORECASTS INCREASED DIAMOND EXPORTS, [...] No summary [...] |
2006-03-23 17:10:00 | Embassy Freetown | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EMIN ETRD SL |
| 06FREETOWN400 |
LARGELY U.S.-OWNED SIERRA RUTILE OFF TO GOOD [...] (C) Sierra Rutile (SR) just exported the first shipment of mined product since 1995. Board members, including Chairman Walter Kansteiner, witnessed the re-entry of the US.-owned company into world markets. Up until the mid-1990s when the mining equipment was destroyed by rebels, SR was the wo [...] |
2006-05-17 15:32:00 | Embassy Freetown | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EMIN ETRD EFIN PREL BEXP SL |
| 06FREETOWN586 |
SIERRA LEONE DIAMOND EXPORTS DOWN FROM 2005 [...] The most recent GoSL statistics show diamond exports down from last year despite early 2006 forecasts of an 8.5% increase for the full year. January to June 2006 diamond export value has fallen 12.23% from the same period in 2005. This decline in export value is partially explained by a drop [...] |
2006-07-19 08:45:00 | Embassy Freetown | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EMIN ETRD EAID SL |
| 06FUKUOKA9 |
NUCLEAR ENERGY POLITICS IN WESTERN JAPAN: KYUSHU ELECTRIC'S [...] (SBU) With Saga Governor Yasushi Furukawa's declaration February 7 that he believes pluthermal (plutonium-thermal) technology is safe, Kyushu Electric Power Co. (Kyuden) is close to securing final approval from local officials to initiate pluthermal power generation at its Genkai No. 3 Reactor [...] |
2006-02-09 05:42:00 | Consulate Fukuoka | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG EMIN ECON SENV SOCI PGOV TRGY JA |
| 06GEORGETOWN1058 |
GUYANA ECONOMIC & COMMERCIAL ROUND-UP [...] Jagdeo Pursues Debt Relief, Treasury Ties in Singapore 2. Guyana-Suriname Maritime Boundary Dispute: Legal Teams to begin Oral Arguments on December 7 3. Russian Firm Interested in Linden Bauxite Operations 4. Cambior/IAMGOLD Merger Could Affect Guyanese Mining Operation 5. Stone Supply Sh [...] |
2006-10-10 20:50:00 | Embassy Georgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON PBTS EMIN ETRD EFIN EINV ENRG GY |
| 06GEORGETOWN361 |
RISING INTEREST IN URANIUM EXPLORATION IN GUYANA [...] The GOG announced on April 19 that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has awarded a permit to Canadian- backed Prometheus Resources Guyana to conduct uranium exploration. The firm, affiliated with Vancouver-based Chemico Corporation, will have a three-year permit to conduct researc [...] |
2006-04-20 16:05:00 | Embassy Georgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ECON GY |
| 06GEORGETOWN405 |
GUYANA ECONOMIC & COMMERCIAL ROUND-UP APRIL 2006 [...] Mining: Diamond, Bauxite Production Increase 2. Trade: Guyanese Companies to Participate in Orlando Trade Fair 3. Agriculture: Exports of Non-Traditional Crops High Despite 2006 Flood 4. Financial system: Excess Liquidity, Declining Interest Rates 5. Investment: Financing Deal for Teperu [...] |
2006-05-04 14:51:00 | Embassy Georgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR EMIN ELAB EFIN EAID BBSR BEXP GY |
| 06GEORGETOWN530 |
GOG BOND DEFAULT RATTLES FINANCE COMMUNITY [...] SUMMARY: Media reports have revealed that the GOG is seeking better terms on US$20 million of government bonds after failing to pay on maturity. The default, as well as the flat-footed GOG response, has shocked the finance community and signals a next stage in the GOG's dogged pursuit of debt [...] |
2006-06-06 18:45:00 | Embassy Georgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | EINV EFIN ECON EMIN GY |
| 06GEORGETOWN760 |
GUYANA ECONOMIC & COMMERCIAL ROUND-UP [...] Mining: Cambior prepared to sell bauxite stake 2. ESTH: Environmental permit sought for Berbice River bauxite project 3. Banking: Republic Bank Rebrands, Introduces Debit Cards 4. Debt: World Bank grants US$322M debt relief 5. Public Finance: Revenue Authority reports 2005 tax exemptions [...] |
2006-08-03 20:55:00 | Embassy Georgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN EMIN EAID EAIR ECIN ENRG ECON GY |
| 06HARARE1377 |
CHAMBER OF MINES PRESIDENT ON INDIGENIZATION, GOLD [...] (C) In a November 2 meeting with emboffs, Chamber of Mines President David Murangari reported that the GOZ had given up its plans for a 51 percent takeover by indigenous companies of foreign-owned mines and was searching for a face-saving way to back down from earlier announcements. In the me [...] |
2006-11-17 17:23:00 | Embassy Harare | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN ECON PGOV ZI |
| 06HARARE298 |
GOZ EYING CONTROL OF MINING SECTOR [...] (C) Minister of Mines Amos Midzi announced on March 3 that Cabinet had approved in principle amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act that would force foreign-owned mining companies to hand over 51 percent of their shares to the GOZ. The GOZ is preparing to present the legislation to Parliamen [...] |
2006-03-08 17:29:00 | Embassy Harare | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV EMIN ECON EFIN PREL PHUM ZI |
| 06HARARE300 |
GOZ EYING CONTROL OF MINING SECTOR [...] (C) Minister of Mines Amos Midzi announced on March 3 that Cabinet had approved in principle amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act that would force foreign-owned mining companies to hand over 51 percent of their shares to the GOZ. The GOZ is preparing to present the legislation to Parliamen [...] |
2006-03-09 10:13:00 | Embassy Harare | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EMIN PGOV PREL ZI |
| 06HARARE349 |
MUGABE SIGNALS "FLEXIBILITY" ON MINING LAW [...] (C) Zimplats CEO Craig Sebborn told econoff March 16 that he and the visiting Implats CEO had made their case the day before directly to President Mugabe that the proposed changes to the Mines and Mineral Act (reftel) amounted to nationalization of the industry and would harm the sector's deve [...] |
2006-03-20 16:46:00 | Embassy Harare | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EMIN PGOV ZI |
| 06HARARE560 |
ZIMPLATS NEARS DEAL TO RELEASE PLATINUM CLAIMS TO [...] No summary [...] |
2006-05-12 12:45:00 | Embassy Harare | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EMIN PGOV ZI |
| 06HARARE563 |
ZIMPLATS NEARS DEAL TO RELEASE PLATINUM CLAIMS TO [...] (C) Zimplats CEO Greg Sebborn told econoff on May 2 that the company had agreed in principle to release undeveloped platinum claims to the GOZ. In a 4-way deal that could be close to conclusion, the claims would go to the Russian mining firm Norilsk, the GOR would provide Air Zimbabwe with Il [...] |
2006-05-12 12:47:00 | Embassy Harare | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EMIN PGOV ZI |
| 06HARARE629 |
ZIMPLATS TURNS OVER 36 PERCENT OF ITS GROUND TO GOZ [...] (C) Zimplats CEO Greg Sebborn told econoff on May 24 that the company was signing an agreement that day to release 36 percent of its ground to a GOZ mining development parastatal. In return, it would receive a not yet quantified "empowerment credit" in connection with ongoing GOZ plans to ind [...] |
2006-05-26 10:07:00 | Embassy Harare | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EMIN PGOV ZI |
| 06HARARE696 |
GOZ DIVIDING, CONQUERING PLATINUM INDUSTRY [...] (SBU) Post's econoff and Johannesburg FSN resource specialist held meetings in Johannesburg on May 30 and June 2 with South African-based officials of the three platinum mining companies active in Zimbabwe. The meetings revealed that the sector is divided in how to respond to the GOZ's aggres [...] |
2006-06-13 07:49:00 | Embassy Harare | UNCLASSIFIED | ASEC ECON EFIN EMIN PGOV ZI |
| 06JAKARTA10539 |
RICK NESS TESTIFIES IN NEWMONT CASE THIS WEEK [...] (C) Summary. Newmont mining executive and Amcit Richard Ness is scheduled to take the stand in his own defense this week on August 25 in a Manado, North Sulawesi courthouse. He faces fifteen years in prison if convicted on charges of polluting Buyat Bay, the site of the now-closed Newmont Min [...] |
2006-08-24 11:10:00 | Embassy Jakarta | SECRET//NOFORN | EMIN CASC SENV EINV PHUM ID |
| 06JAKARTA1185 |
FREEPORT PURSUES "NO TALL TREES" STRATEGY IN ARMY [...] (C/NF) Summary. A senior executive from the U.S. mining giant Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold told us on January 25 that his company will avoid the media spotlight while cooperating fully with GOI inquiries regarding the legality of the mining giant's payments to Indonesian security forces in [...] |
2006-01-31 23:48:00 | Embassy Jakarta | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EMIN ENIV ID |
| 06JAKARTA2492 |
FREEPORT PAPUA MINE CLOSED BY ILLEGAL MINERS [...] (SBU) Summary. Approximately 400 illegal miners in Papua launched a picket of Freeport-McMoRan,s Grasberg Mine on February 21, forcing its temporary closure for the past 48 hours. As of COB February 23, the mine remained closed. In a separate but perhaps related incident, at approximately 04 [...] |
2006-02-23 23:50:00 | Embassy Jakarta | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EMIN ENIV PGOV ID |
| 06JAKARTA3690 |
FREEPORT SEES LOOSE-KNIT GROUP BEHIND PAPUA [...] (C/NF) Summary. Calm returned to the Indonesian province of Papua over the March 18-19 weekend following the deaths of four security officials during a March 16 rampage by anti-mining protestors. A disparate group of political and economic actors with varied agendas use anti-Freeport sentime [...] |
2006-03-22 00:40:00 | Embassy Jakarta | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | ECON EMIN ENIV PGOV ASEC ID |
| 06JAKARTA3849 |
NEWMONT BELIEVES JAKARTA-BASED GROUPS BEHIND [...] (SBU) Summary: Jakarta-based environmental non-governmental organizations initiated the protests that ended in the destruction of Newmont Mining Company,s exploration camp at Elang on the island of Sumbawa on March 19, according to Newmont executives. As a result of the attack by approximate [...] |
2006-03-24 00:48:00 | Embassy Jakarta | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EMIN EINV PGOV ASEC ID |
| 06JAKARTA4515 |
AFTER ELECTIONS, PAPUAN LEADERS FOCUS ON FREEPORT [...] (C) Summary: Following the March 10 and 11 elections in Papua and West Irian Jaya provinces, Papuan leaders have opted against staging a confrontation with the Indonesian central government, at least for the time being. Instead, in the wake of anti-Freeport demonstrations in Jayapura and els [...] |
2006-04-07 11:17:00 | Embassy Jakarta | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV EINV EMIN ID |
| 06JAKARTA5217 |
SBY OPPONENTS WAVE ECONOMIC NATIONALISM FLAG [...] (C) Summary: Former People's Consultative Assembly Chairman Amien Rais and retired General Wiranto continue to wave the flag of economic nationalism in hopes of strengthening their likely presidential bids in 2009 and stirring up trouble for President Yudhoyono in the meantime. In their latest [...] |
2006-04-26 07:27:00 | Embassy Jakarta | SECRET | ECON EMIN ENIV PGOV ID |
| 06JAKARTA5703 |
IRANIAN PRESIDENT'S ENGAGEMENT WITH INDONESIAN [...] (C) House of Representatives Chairman Agung Laksono plans to engage in a friendly manner with Iranian President Ahmadi-Nejad during Ahmadi-Nejad's upcoming visit, according to one of Agung's closest associates. Agung's positive view of the Iranians appears to stem at least in part from his pe [...] |
2006-05-05 11:24:00 | Embassy Jakarta | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV KNNP ENRG EMIN IR ID |
| 06JOHANNESBURG205 |
SOUTH AFRICA: MINERALS AND ENERGY NEWSLETTER"THE ASSAY" - [...] (U) Introduction: The purpose of this monthly newsletter, initiated in January 2004, is to highlight minerals and energy developments in South Africa. This includes trade and investment as well as supply. South Africa hosts world-class deposits of gold, diamonds, platinum group metals, chrom [...] |
2006-06-09 15:52:00 | Consulate Johannesburg | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ENRG ECON ELAB SF ZI |
| 06JOHANNESBURG335 |
SOUTH AFRICAN COAL INDUSTRY: COAL IN THE GLOBAL SETTING, [...] (U) Introduction: This is the first of a four-part cable dealing with coal and the important role it plays in the South African economy. Part 1 provides a background to coal, relative to other energy sources, and South Africa's position in the global coal market place. End Introduction. S [...] |
2006-09-08 15:06:00 | Consulate Johannesburg | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ENRG ECON SF |
| 06JOHANNESBURG337 |
THE SOUTH AFRICAN COAL INDUSTRY: PART II -- COAL IN SOUTH [...] (U) Introduction: This is the second of a four-part cable dealing with coal and the important role coal plays in the South African economy. Part 2 provides an in-depth look at the South African coal industry, from coalfields to production, uses and exports. It also looks at the infrastructur [...] |
2006-09-08 15:44:00 | Consulate Johannesburg | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ENRG ECON SF |
| 06JOHANNESBURG338 |
THE SOUTH AFRICAN COAL INDUSTRY: PART III -- PLANS AND [...] (U) Introduction: This is the third of a four-part cable dealing with coal and the important role it plays in the South African economy. Part 3 provides information on some of the new and expansion projects underway and planned clean-coal developments. It reviews some of the policies and leg [...] |
2006-09-08 16:01:00 | Consulate Johannesburg | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ENGR ECON SENV SF |
| 06JOHANNESBURG339 |
THE SOUTH AFRICAN COAL INDUSTRY: PART IV -- AFRICAN COAL [...] (U) Introduction: This is the fourth and last of a four-part cable dealing with coal and the important role it plays in the South African economy. Part 4 provides information on some of the coal-related developments in other African countries. Reftel A provides a summary for all four sections [...] |
2006-09-08 16:54:00 | Consulate Johannesburg | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ENRG ECON SF |
| 06JOHANNESBURG415 |
SOUTH AFRICA: MINERALS AND ENERGY NEWSLETTER "THE ASSAY" -- [...] (U) Introduction: The purpose of this monthly newsletter, initiated in January 2004, is to highlight minerals and energy developments in South Africa. This includes trade and investment as well as supply. South Africa hosts world-class deposits of gold, diamonds, platinum group metals, chrom [...] |
2006-10-20 15:04:00 | Consulate Johannesburg | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN EPET ENRG ECON SF |
| 06JOHANNESBURG416 |
SOUTH AFRICA: MINERALS AND ENERGY NEWSLETTER "THE ASSAY" -- [...] (U) Introduction: The purpose of this monthly newsletter, initiated in January 2004, is to highlight minerals and energy developments in South Africa. This includes trade and investment as well as supply. South Africa hosts world-class deposits of gold, diamonds, platinum group metals, chrom [...] |
2006-10-20 15:05:00 | Consulate Johannesburg | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ENRG EINV EPET ECON SF CH |
| 06JOHANNESBURG467 |
SOUTH AFRICA: STATE OF ALUMINUN INDUSTRY [...] (U) The South African aluminum industry is well developed and a major contributor to the economy. During 2005, primary and semi-fabricated aluminum sales amounted to 920,000 tons valued at about $1.7 billion, of which exports accounted for more than 70% by mass and value. All plants are curre [...] |
2006-11-17 13:04:00 | Consulate Johannesburg | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ETRD ENRG ECON ELAB EIND SF |
| 06KABUL491 |
PRT/PANJSHIR: THE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK [...] (U) The U.S.-led assistance effort is transforming the economy of Panjshir Province, , leading to what the Governor calls the new prosperity. He cites four areas for economic growth: commerce, facilitated by an improved road network; tourism, attracting visitors primarily from Kabul; agri [...] |
2006-02-05 12:39:00 | Embassy Kabul | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ECON EFIS EMIN PGOV AF |
| 06KHARTOUM481 |
MEETING WITH THE MINISTER OF MINES, ENERGY AND [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: On February 17, CG Juba met with Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) Minister of Mines, Energy and Industry Albino Akol Akol and his Under Secretary Chuor Deng Mareng. They discussed the outdated inventory of mineral and energy resources that Southern Sudan controls. The Minis [...] |
2006-02-23 16:22:00 | Embassy Khartoum | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN EPET PGOV EAID SU |
| 06KINSHASA1082 |
ECONOMICS ALONG THE UGANDAN BORDER: ITURI [...] (SBU) Summary. EconOff and PolOff visited the major towns of the troubled Ituri District in Eastern DRC - Bunia, Aru and Mahagi - May 6 through 10. As in the Grand Nord region of neighboring North Kivu, legal and illegal cross-border trade, the absence of national government control and a st [...] |
2006-07-06 13:04:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECON EMIN PGOV CG UG |
| 06KINSHASA1103 |
DRC JUNE MONTHLY ECONOMIC REVIEW [...] (U) Summary - MONUC rehabilitated an airport in Bunia, Orientale province. -BHP Billiton contracted with the DRC's electricity parastatal for the purchase of 1200 MW of electricity. - A strike of ONATRA (DRC's port authority) employees paralyzed the international, maritime port of Matadi. - [...] |
2006-07-10 15:23:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN ENRG ELAB EAIR EMIN ETRD PGOV CG |
| 06KINSHASA1234 |
GOLD SECTOR UPDATE - FOCUS ON ANGLOGOLD [...] (C) Summary. Industrial gold mining plans are advancing in Ituri district, particularly on the concession of AngloGold Ashanti. Artisanal miners continue to operate illegally on Anglo's concession; the DRC's gold-mining parastatal profits from this mining and thus takes no action to remove the [...] |
2006-08-04 10:29:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN ETRD ECON PGOV CG |
| 06KINSHASA1261 |
DRC JULY MONTHLY ECONOMIC REVIEW [...] (U) Summary. - The DRC banking sector is slowly increasing services, with the first ATM, Master Card and mobile phone banking capabilities becoming available in July. - The Energy Vice Minister ordered an audit of Cohydro, the DRC's petroleum parastatal. - National railway employees are [...] |
2006-08-10 09:33:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN ENRG ELAB EAIR EMIN ETRD PGOV CG |
| 06KINSHASA1268 |
UPDATE ON DRC'S LEADING LABOR UNION [...] (SBU) The DRC's leading labor union continues to exert little impact on workplace or political matters. EconOff and PolOff met with Symphorien Dunia, President of the Confederation Syndicale Du Congo (CSC), the DRC's leading labor organization (reftel) August 7. 2. (SBU) Dunia reviewed som [...] |
2006-08-11 11:11:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB ECON EMIN PGOV CG |
| 06KINSHASA1309 |
URANIUM SHIPMENT RUMORS UNFOUNDED [...] (C) Summary. Press reports of a possible enriched uranium shipment from the DRC to Iran are unfounded. The DRC has no capability to produce enriched uranium, and Post has no evidence of organized mining at the Shinkolobwe uranium mine. The story likely was planted as a dirty trick designed to [...] |
2006-08-18 12:59:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | SECRET//NOFORN | ENRG EMIN ETRD PREL PGOV IAEA CG IR |
| 06KINSHASA1373 |
INCREASING ECONOMIC PROBLEMS IN THE KASAIS [...] (U) Summary. Eastern and Western Kasai have been experiencing increasing economic difficulties, seemingly due primarily to labor strife, the diamond parastatal's ongoing problems, and seasonal effects. Both Kasais have experienced shortages of produce, goods and petroleum products, with conseq [...] |
2006-08-30 14:05:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EMIN ELTN PGOV ELAB CG |
| 06KINSHASA1390 |
IRANIAN EMBASSY RESPONDS TO SUNDAY TIMES ARTICLE [...] (U) On August 28, the Congolese newspaper Le Potentiel printed the Iranian Embassy's denial of the August 6 Sunday Times article (reftel), which alleged a DRC-Iran uranium smuggling link. The Times reported that in October 2005 Tanzanian authorities stopped a shipment of Uranium 238 ore from [...] |
2006-09-05 08:06:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG EMIN KGIT ETRD PREL PGOV IAEA CG IR |
| 06KINSHASA1391 |
NO SIGNS OF MINING ACTIVITY AT SHINKOLOBWE [...] (C) Summary. In the course of investigating ongoing rumors and press reports of a DRC-Iranian enriched uranium link, EconOff visited DRC's Shinkolobwe uranium mine August 9, but found no evidence of any mining. Neither visual nor scientific evidence at or around Shinkolobwe indicates mining oc [...] |
2006-09-05 08:10:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | ENRG EMIN KGIT ETRD PREL PGOV IAEA CG IR |
| 06KINSHASA1392 |
MISSING CONTAINERS NOT LIKELY RADIOACTIVE [...] No summary [...] |
2006-09-05 08:21:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | CG EMIN ENRG ETRD IAEA KGIT PGOV PREL |
| 06KINSHASA1398 |
DRC AUGUST MONTHLY ECONOMIC REVIEW [...] (U) Summary. - The DRC's teachers' unions are calling for a nationwide strike in public schools to demand increased salaries. - Employees of SNCC (the DRC's railway authority) and OCPT (the telecommunications parastatal) are on strike, as are medical professionals in some cities. - The [...] |
2006-09-06 16:12:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG ELAB EAIR EMIN ECON ETRD PGOV CG |
| 06KINSHASA1410 |
SECURITY AT THE DRC’S NUCLEAR RESEARCH CENTER [...] (C) Summary. Four EmbOffs and an Econ LES toured the Kinshasa Nuclear Research Center (CREN-K) July 27 to assess security and determine its needs. CREN-K houses the DRC's two nuclear reactors, neither of which functions, although staff continue to conduct nuclear-related research and teaching at th [...] |
2006-09-08 11:17:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | ENRG EMIN ETRD KGIT PREL PGOV IAEA CG |
| 06KINSHASA1411 |
MLC CONTINUES EFFORTS TO DISCREDIT KABILA VIA [...] (C) DRC Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba's political party, the MLC, appears to be continuing its campaign to discredit and undermine President Joseph Kabila by trying to convince the international community that the Presidency is illegally trafficking enriched uranium (reftel A). 2. (C) On [...] |
2006-09-08 11:20:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | ENRG EMIN KGIT ETRD PREL PGOV IAEA CG |
| 06KINSHASA1465 |
DRC LEADERSHIP GAP LOOMS: A VIEW FROM THE ECONOMY [...] (U) As reported in reftel B, the GDRC is about to face serious leadership voids in several ministries and in some state enterprises. Several current ministers, vice ministers and parastatal managers who have won seats in the National Assembly must now decide if they will resign their positions [...] |
2006-09-19 11:51:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN EMIN KDEM CG ELECTIONS |
| 06KINSHASA1500 |
MINING SECTOR UPDATE [...] (U) Summary. During the past month several miners died in mining-related accidents, and two conflicts between mining companies and the GDRC have arisen. End summary. Mining Accidents ---------------- 2. (U) The Mayor of the Western Kasai diamond-mining town of Tshikapa has banned some mi [...] |
2006-09-26 14:20:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ECON SENV ETRD PGOV CG |
| 06KINSHASA1542 |
DRC SEPTEMBER MONTHLY ECONOMIC REVIEW [...] (U) Summary. - The DRC's main teachers' unions and employees of the OCPT (DRC's telecommunications parastatal) ended their strikes; employees of the RVA (DRC's airport operating agency) have scaled back their strike. - Employees of SNCC (the DRC's railway authority) remain on strike. [...] |
2006-10-05 15:40:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ENRG ELAB EAIR EMIN ECON PGOV CG |
| 06KINSHASA1590 |
KATANGA COPPER BELT: MANY ARTISANAL MINERS, MANY [...] (SBU) Summary. Artisanal mining is one of the major issues facing the extractive industries sector, as it moves towards industrialization. The GDRC is ill-equipped to address this issue adequately, leaving mining companies to forge their own solutions with only nominal government support or inp [...] |
2006-10-17 11:11:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN PGOV ECON ETRD CG |
| 06KINSHASA1621 |
GECAMINES' CHIEF HAS UNREALISTIC VISION [...] (C) Summary. Paul Fortin, CEO of the DRC's copper and cobalt mining parastatal, Gecamines, remains optimistic about the future of Gecamines, perhaps overly so, given the grave challenges his organization faces. Rather than try to resurrect a nearly moribund mining company, Fortin may have mor [...] |
2006-10-20 09:44:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN ETRD PGOV CG |
| 06KINSHASA1624 |
EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES UPDATE [...] (U) Summary. The extractive industries in the DRC have recently been rocked by legal actions, public denouncements and the deaths of several miners. Meanwhile, interest in exploring the DRC's petroleum reserve capacities continues. End summary. GOLD AND DIAMOND SECTORS --------------------- [...] |
2006-10-20 11:54:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EPET EMIN ENRG KJUS PGOV CG |
| 06KINSHASA1688 |
MINING SECTOR UPDATE - DIAMONDS, URANIUM, COPPER [...] (U) Summary. The diamond sector has experienced more mining accidents and a decrease in official export revenues and production figures. The DRC's Atomic Energy Commission has entered into an agreement with a foreign company to develop uranium projects, while yet another copper mining company [...] |
2006-11-01 15:16:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ECON ETRD KGIT IAEA CG |
| 06KINSHASA1704 |
DRC OCTOBER MONTHLY ECONOMIC REVIEW [...] (U) - During an October visit, an IMF team noted the DRC's growing inflation and Central Bank-financed budgetary overspending. - The Belgian government will cancel the GDRC's remaining debt once it achieves Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) completion point. - The employees of the RVA (D [...] |
2006-11-03 12:13:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ELAB EMIN EAIR ECON PGOV CG |
| 06KINSHASA1731 |
LOANS TO DRC FROM CHINA, INDIA, KUWAIT [...] (SBU) Post submits the following in response to reftel A's request for information on new lending from emerging bilateral creditors. The GDRC's bilateral lending agreements include China, India and Kuwait, although detailed information about the loans is difficult to obtain. (Note: Even the IM [...] |
2006-11-10 08:21:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN EAID ETRD EMIN PGOV CG CH IN KU |
| 06KINSHASA1735 |
TENSION OVER GECAMINES' ATTEMPT TO PREVENT THEFT [...] (C) Tension over efforts to stop natural resource theft nearly resulted in violence in Kolwezi, Katanga province, over the November 3 weekend. November 2, the CEO of Gecamines, the DRC's copper/cobalt mining parastatal, told Gecamines employees in Kolwezi that the ongoing theft of copper/coba [...] |
2006-11-13 14:47:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN ETRD ECON KCOR PGOV CG |
| 06KINSHASA1737 |
DISPUTE EMERGING OVER GOLD MINING DEAL [...] (C) Summary. The CEO of OKIMO, the DRC's gold-mining parastatal, is publicly disputing the validity of a concession contract with the Australian-based company Moto Goldmines Limited (Moto) and a Congolese company, Orgaman, claiming that members of OKIMO's management illegally signed it. If the [...] |
2006-11-13 16:15:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN ECON KCOR PGOV CG |
| 06KINSHASA1918 |
DRC NOVEMBER MONTHLY ECONOMIC REVIEW [...] (U) - The GDRC increased fuel prices. - The EU announced it will double its aid to the DRC for 2008-2013. - Transparency International has once again ranked the DRC as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. - The DRC has joined the new Africa Diamond Producers Association. [...] |
2006-12-26 08:10:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ELAB EMIN EPET ECON PGOV CG |
| 06KINSHASA216 |
NEW MANAGEMENT INSTALLED IN MINING PARASTATAL [...] No summary [...] |
2006-02-08 16:04:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN ECON EINV EAID PGOV CG |
| 06KINSHASA230 |
WILL THE DRC BUY WHAT COMESA IS SELLING? [...] (U) Summary. COMESA, the Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa, continues its attempts to engage the DRC. COMESA's Deputy Secretary-General led a delegation to the DRC the week of January 23, with the primary purpose of appealing to GDRC officials to pay membership dues and join the cus [...] |
2006-02-13 09:51:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECON EAID EMIN PGOV CG |
| 06KINSHASA404 |
KASAIAN ECONOMY LACKS ENERGY [...] (U) Summary. The two Kasai provinces offer a clear example of the economic tragedy of the Congo, with fertile, diamond-studded soil juxtaposed with an impoverished population unable to pull themselves out of their economic despair. Western Kasai seems slightly more prosperous than Eastern Kas [...] |
2006-03-09 16:06:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ENRG ECON EMIN ELAB EAGR CG |
| 06KINSHASA440 |
ARE DIAMONDS STILL THE KASAIS' BEST FRIENDS? [...] (C) Summary. The Eastern and Western Kasai provinces produce the majority of exported diamonds in the DRC, although official statistics underreport production and overreport value. Artisanal mining dominates the sector in both provinces. Although the majority of production is currently industr [...] |
2006-03-15 10:29:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN ECON ETRD PGOV CG |
| 06KINSHASA447 |
CHINESE ECONOMIC OUTREACH IN THE KASAIS [...] (C) During a February 21-24 visit to Western and Eastern Kasai by EconOff and PolOff, the Chinese ambassador to the DRC, Fan Zhenshui, also visited the region. According to MONUC and other sources in the provinces, the Chinese ambassador met with a variety of local business and political leade [...] |
2006-03-16 06:21:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ETRD EMIN ECON CG CH |
| 06KINSHASA68 |
DECEMBER ECONOMIC REVIEW [...] (U) SUMMARY -------------- - USG debt relief for the DRC has been extended through March 2006. - The World Bank approved two grants totaling USD 215 million to support the implementation of the GDRC's economic program, reconstruction and rehabilitation. - A UN-organized audit of six Congo [...] |
2006-01-13 11:25:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN ELAB EMIN EAIR PGOV CG AID |
| 06KINSHASA806 |
DRC APRIL ECONOMIC REVIEW [...] (U) Summary -------------- - Plane crashes continue to plague the DRC's aviation industry. - Belgium will lead a donor effort to help the DRC restructure its civil service. - A Canadian company launched rehabilitation of one Inga Dam turbine as part of a multi-year project. - Employees o [...] |
2006-05-22 16:10:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN ENRG ELAB EAIR EMIN ETRD PGOV CG |
| 06KINSHASA890 |
DRC MAY MONTHLY ECONOMIC REVIEW [...] (U) Summary -------------- - IMF team visits DRC to put a Staff Monitored Program (SMP) in place and to assess situation since the end of the PRGF program. - DRC public hospital physicians launch a general strike while some government enterprises face possible strikes. - DRC Minister o [...] |
2006-06-05 16:24:00 | Embassy Kinshasa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN ENRG ELAB EAIR EMIN ETRD PGOV CG |
| 06LAPAZ1101 |
MUTUN TO PROCEED; PROBLEMS WITH NEARBY PROJECT [...] (SBU) Summary: GOB officials recently announced that bidding on the rights to develop Mutun, one of the world's largest iron ore deposits, would proceed as planned; this satisfied a long-standing demand of local leaders, but problems with a nearby project have generated conflict. Civic activis [...] |
2006-04-21 17:18:00 | Embassy La Paz | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN EINV ECON PGOV BL |
| 06LAPAZ1180 |
IS MINING NEXT IN LINE FOR NATIONALIZATION? [...] (SBU) Summary: In the aftermath of the GOB's May 1 nationalization of Bolivia's hydrocarbons sector, many are wondering if mining might be next in line. President Morales and other GOB officials have repeatedly stated their intent to nationalize all natural resources, including mineral deposi [...] |
2006-05-03 18:29:00 | Embassy La Paz | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN ETRD EINV ECON PREL PGOV BL |
| 06LAPAZ1289 |
MINING MINISTER SAYS GOB WILL NOT NATIONALIZE [...] (SBU) Summary: Minister of Mining Walter Villarroel told Econoffs May 11 that the GOB would not nationalize Bolivia's mining industry. He left open the possibility of tax increases, however, and said the tax structure and mining code were under review. He also asked for assistance identifyin [...] |
2006-05-12 15:53:00 | Embassy La Paz | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN EINV ECON PREL PGOV BL |
| 06LAPAZ1530 |
INDIA'S JINDAL STEEL WINS MUTUN BID [...] (SBU) Summary: GOB officials announced June 1 that India's Jindal Steel and Power had won the right to develop Mutun, one of the world's largest iron ore deposits. The firm expects to invest USD 2.3 billion over the next ten years, not only to exploit Mutun's estimated 40 billion tons of iron [...] |
2006-06-06 17:06:00 | Embassy La Paz | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN EINV ECON PGOV BL |
| 06LAPAZ1596 |
TRIBUNAL DECLARES MINING CODE ARTICLES [...] (SBU) Summary: Bolivia's Constitutional Tribunal recently declared six articles of the mining code unconstitutional, eliminating investors' rights to transfer and mortgage mining concessions. The ruling will take effect after a two-year delay, ostensibly to allow the GOB to pass legislation i [...] |
2006-06-13 15:23:00 | Embassy La Paz | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN EINV ECON BL |
| 06LAPAZ1673 |
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN PROPOSES MINING SECTOR [...] (SBU) Summary: Bolivia's national development plan, announced June 16 (reftel), proposes wide-ranging changes in the mining sector, among them increased state control of mineral production and sales and new taxes and regulations. The plan highlights the need for more research into available mi [...] |
2006-06-21 18:15:00 | Embassy La Paz | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN EINV ECON BL |
| 06LAPAZ1791 |
FIRST QUARTER 2006 MACROECONOMIC REPORT [...] Summary: Bolivia's positive GDP growth trend continued during the first quarter of 2006 due to high international prices for the country's main exports: hydrocarbons, minerals, and agricultural products. Exports grew by 23 percent in the first quarter compared with the same period in 2005, c [...] |
2006-06-29 20:17:00 | Embassy La Paz | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV ELAB EMIN ENRG EPET ETRD BL |
| 06LAPAZ186 |
MAS ECONOMICS TEAM: STRONG SOCIAL AWARENESS, WEAK [...] (SBU) Summary: If reports about its economic transition teams are any indication, the future Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) government will have lots to learn. Current government ministers have told us that the MAS mining, economic development, and hydrocarbons teams conspicuously lack techn [...] |
2006-01-24 21:18:00 | Embassy La Paz | UNCLASSIFIED | BL ECON EINV EMIN ENRG EPET ETRD PGOV |
| 06LAPAZ2046 |
MINING COMPANIES BRACE FOR ROYALTY AND TAX [...] (SBU) Summary: U.S.-owned mining company representatives said July 24 that they remained concerned by the GOB's failure to make royalty and tax decisions. While officials have repeatedly said the government will not act on President Morales' promises to nationalize Bolivia's mining industry ( [...] |
2006-07-28 18:49:00 | Embassy La Paz | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN EINV ECON PREL PGOV BL |
| 06LAPAZ2598 |
GOB DELAYS SIGNING OF MUTUN CONTRACT [...] (SBU) GOB officials announced September 22 that they would delay until mid-October the signing of a joint-venture contract allowing India's Jindal Steel and Power to develop Mutun, one of the world's largest iron ore deposits. The firm won the right to exploit Mutun's estimated 40 billion ton [...] |
2006-09-26 20:10:00 | Embassy La Paz | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN EINV ECON PGOV BL |
| 06LAPAZ2623 |
JAPAN'S SUMITOMO ACQUIRES STAKE IN U.S. MINING [...] (U) Summary: Japan's Sumitomo Corporation recently acquired a 35 percent participating interest in U.S.-based Apex Silver's $800 million San Cristobal silver-zinc-lead project (reftel). Apex will receive $224 million cash and future silver and zinc payments; Sumitomo will also assume 35 perce [...] |
2006-09-28 18:56:00 | Embassy La Paz | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN EINV ECON BL |
| 06LAPAZ2719 |
DEADLY MINING CLASH CONTINUES [...] (C) Summary: Fighting between cooperative miners and workers of the state-owned mining company COMIBOL broke out in Huanuni on October 5 (reftel) and continued on the 6th, despite temporary truces agreed on October 5 and 6. At this time, it appears that the second truce is holding and that fi [...] |
2006-10-06 22:04:00 | Embassy La Paz | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EMIN ELAB PGOV PREL BL |
| 06LAPAZ2723 |
MINING: FIGHTING ENDS, TALKS BEGIN [...] (SBU) Summary: In response to deadly clashes between state mining workers and independent cooperative miners in Huanuni, President Morales replaced the mining minister and the head of the state-owned mining company COMIBOL on October 7. A GOB commission held talks with both sides on October [...] |
2006-10-10 19:42:00 | Embassy La Paz | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ELAB EMIN PGOV PREL BL |
| 06LAPAZ2729 |
MINERS THREATEN BLOCKADE; POLITICAL STAND-OFF [...] (U) Following last week,s violent conflict in Huanuni and failed talks with the government (reftel), the Cooperative Mining Federation threatened to blockade roads throughout the country or march to La Paz if the government does not agree to provide compensation for the victims, families and fo [...] |
2006-10-11 20:26:00 | Embassy La Paz | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ELAB EMIN PGOV PREL BL |
| 06LAPAZ2780 |
MORALES ANNOUNCES "SURPRISES" FOR MINING INDUSTRY [...] (SBU) Summary: President Morales announced October 15 that the mining industry should expect "surprises" permitting the state to regain control of mineral production. His comments caused anxiety among U.S. mining company executives, who said October 16 that they were "nervous" about the GOB's [...] |
2006-10-16 21:15:00 | Embassy La Paz | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN EINV ECON BL |
| 06LAPAZ2798 |
STAND-OFF BETWEEN MINERS AND GOB CONTINUES [...] (U) Summary: Nearly two weeks after October 5-6 clashes between cooperative miners and state mining employees (reftel), the stand-off between miners and the GOB continues. Cooperatives accepted a GOB proposal to provide compensation to affected families but rejected an offer to convert cooper [...] |
2006-10-17 20:10:00 | Embassy La Paz | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN ELAB EINV ECON PREL PGOV BL |
| 06LAPAZ2860 |
GOB, MINERS SIGN AGREEMENT ENDING STAND-OFF [...] (SBU) Summary: The GOB and miners signed an agreement October 23 ending the political stand-off that emerged after October 5-6 clashes between cooperative miners and state mining employees in Huanuni (reftel). Radio reports indicate that members of the region's four cooperatives accepted the [...] |
2006-10-24 10:55:00 | Embassy La Paz | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN ELAB EINV ECON |