Niger Sacks Mines Minister in Latest Cabinet Change

Source: Reuters, Abdoulaye Massalatchi and Richard Valdmanis (11/5/10)

"Decree gave no reason for the change."

The head of Niger's junta fired his mines minister, according to a decree issued on Friday, extending a wave of sackings and arrests near the top of the West African country's government.

Energy and Mines Minister Souleymane Mamadou Abba will be replaced by Djibo Salmou Gourouza Magagi, formerly the minister of internal affairs, according to the decree, which gave no reason for the change.

Niger's junta, preparing to hand power back to civilians through elections set for January, said last month it had put down a coup attempt and arrested some officers including the second-in-command Colonel Abdoulaye Badie.

Niger's minister of equipment, Colonel Amadou Diallo, was also sacked in October and later arrested.

The country has been run by soldiers since a February coup, but junta leader General Salou Djibo has vowed to step aside for an elected president no later than April 2011 and has been pursuing an aggressive anti-corruption agenda in the meantime.

Niger is the largest supplier of uranium to France's nuclear sector and its resource riches have attracted billions of dollars in planned mining and energy investments.

But it remains one of the world's poorest nations amid decades of instability and is home to growing al Qaeda-linked operations in its northern desert region. Five French nationals were kidnapped in Niger in September by al Qaeda's North African wing, including one worker from French nuclear firm Areva.

Announcing Streetwise Live! Events
Source: Streetwise Reports (07/13/2020)

Streetwise Reports is offering 100 investors—at no charge—the opportunity to meet via Zoom with executives of precious metals companies as they discuss recent developments at their companies and upcoming catalysts.

"China's export quota could be opportunity for Canadian miners"

Latin America: Six Gold Juniors Amass 100M+ Ounces
Source: Marc Davis, BNW News (05/25/2010)

Latin America, the world's last great mineral frontier for prolific gold discoveries, is proving a godsend for some lucky investors.

Mexico: Gold's Next Powerhouse Player
Source: Marc Davis, BNW News (11/03/2009)

As the world's key gold producing nations struggle mostly in vain to replenish dwindling below-ground supplies, Mexico is bucking the trend in a big way.

Where Have All the Gold Mines Gone?
Source: Brent Cook, Exploration Insights (04/14/2009)

Given the declining global gold production, mining companies’ demand for reserve replacement and the acute dearth of new gold discoveries, there is no doubt that real economic discoveries will be exceptionally valuable. . .the opportunity for stellar profits is the best it has probably ever been. Identifying the few successes, however, will require vigilant and constant technical assessment of geology and drill results, always with an eye to mine economics.

Congo Completes Mining Review, Says Majors Quit Talks
Source: Reuters (12/20/2008)

"Review process is extended an additional 45 days to allow six companies to return to the negotiating table for direct talks with government ministers."

I haven’t spoken to my old mining stock friend, noted and universally respected gold stock guru, Bob Bishop, about Rare Element in a year, but I hear he is still a supporter and very large shareholder. I don’t believe he will hold it against me to remind you that this was one of his favorite holdings when he left the newsletter writing business. . .

It's Only the Beginning for Uranium
Source: www.financialinsights.com (06/03/2005)

Dr. Richard S. Appel, author of Financial Insights, first became bullish on uranium in mid-2003, when it appeared obvious that its supply versus demand equation was fated to seriously drive higher its price. Since then, a series of events in the uranium industry has led Appel to believe that uranium prices will reach never before seen levels.

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