That was rumoured to be the case years ago. I believe it has now been proved that the former President of Gabon and Co did get bribes from Chinese. They have just recently I believe found that the ex;French Government President did get involved in the project by siding with the Chinese.
Brazil's VALE was the other party who were kicked out of being a partner with the Chinese. Sino of China was also involved. Chinese started ripping the protected Forrest down without getting environmental approval. When EximBank found out this was going on,they pulled all funding from the Belinga project.
This project has been put up again for tender,including giving VALE another chance to bid since SDL's rail line has been drawn up and been into the news.
All the tenements South of Mbalam will need the SDL rail line to get to Port including Badondo owned by Equatorial an Australian company.
I saw a map recently of the Gabon iron ore tenements South of Mbalam,just about all of them were shown to now have changed hands and are in Chinese hands.
Regards Westcott.
SDL Price at posting:
46.0¢ Sentiment: None Disclosure: Held