Mining industry of Equatorial Guinea
The regulation of mining in Equatorial Guinea is handled by the Ministry of Mines, Industry, and Energy, which oversees activities in the mining and petroleum industries.[1]
Historically, the peoples of Equatorial Guinea produced gold and iron before being colonized by Spain. During colonial rule, there were no commercial mining operations. Following independence in 1968, Soviet and French geologists found potential deposits of gold, bauxite, tin, tungsten, and coltan. Additional surveys conducted by GEMSA, a Spanish-Equatoguinean joint venture, and UMCEG (Ocean Energy, previously named United Meridian Corporation) performed airborne and land surveys, as well as the creation of GIS databases.[2]
The government claims ownership of all mineral resources, and regulates them under law 9/2006 (replacing the former Mining Law, 9/1981).[3]
Gold
Artisans using placer mining techniques retrieve gold from rivers in Río Muni, primarily the areas of Cogo, Aconibe and Mongomo. The Equatoguinean government believes that at least 2.3 tons of gold were collectively produced from these small operations.[1]
In 2006, the United States Geological Survey reported that about 200 kg of gold were produced in Equatorial Guinea.[3]
Diamond
Indicators of diamond deposits in Gabon extend to the southern border of Rio Muni, and the Equatorial government believes surveys may show the potential for diamond deposits in southeastern Rio Muni.[1][3]
Coltan
The government reports that evidence of the presence of coltan (columbite-tantalite, a tantalum ore) has been found near Aconibe and Akamiken. Very little exploration work has been performed in these areas, however.[1]
External links
- Ministry of Mines, Industry, and Energy (English)
References
- ^ a b c d e "Hydrocarbons and Mining in Equatorial Guinea" (PDF). Ministry of Mines, Industry, and Energy. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-11-13. Retrieved 2008-05-01.
- ^ a b c "Equatorial Guinea: Mining". MBendi. Retrieved 2008-05-01.
- ^ a b c "2006 Minerals Yearbook: Equatorial Guinea" (PDF). United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2008-05-01.