bad news out from the congo mining reviews

News just out from the Congo. This could be bad news. Nothing is ever simple in this part of the world is it?!:

Mining Exploration: DRC Mining Review Extended, DRC Prime Minister Resigns (Flash)


Impact: Mixed
DRC Prime Minister Antoine Gizenga announced his resignation yesterday, citing that he was no longer physically capable of carrying out his duties. Mr. Gizenga, 82, was appointed Prime Minister in December 2006 by the current president Joseph Kabila. His appointment was seen as a good compromise for the country in an effort to bring stability and appease unrest in the northeastern part of the country. There is speculation the resignation of Mr. Gizenga could trigger a cabinet shuffle. On a separate note, the DRC's vice minister of mines Victor Kasongo announced that the government has extended the review period for the mining contracts to October 15, 2008. Mr. Kasongo noted that the extension was unrelated to the resignation of Mr. Gizenga and that the contract review will go forward despite the expected appointment of a new prime minister and cabinet. Mr. Kasongo indicated, 'We still have the same president, the new cabinet to be put in place will accept the negotiations.' The mining contract review involves 61 mining contracts and was expected to be completed by September 30. The statements by Mr. Kasongo are much what we expected. With the vice minister of mines and the president's office involved in the process, we expect that there will be a great deal of continuity in the review process regardless of any possible cabinet changes.