interesting article....

Mining potential in Burundi

Burundi possesses 6% of the known nickel reserves in the world. Uranium is also mined in significant quantities, and there is the potential to mine minerals such as tin, cobalt and copper. Small time mining of gold and peat also takes place. Significant platinum deposits have been found recently but have not yet been fully exploited. High transportation costs have limited the potential of these reserves.

Deposits of vanadium and uranium are being surveyed and small scale industrial mining takes place for local purposes. Phosphates and limestone are used for cement production.

The Kabanga project, which concerns major nickel deposits in Tanzania, is part of a nickel belt which crosses into Burundi. Cross-border mining between Tanzania and Burundi would allow access to the Tanzanian railway lines and ports, and discussions are underway between the Tanzanian and Burundian governments to develop this project further.

Mining operators currently operational in Burundi include the Burundi Mining Company. Until May 2000 the international player Andover Resources NL had been conducting feasibility studies in Musongati in Burundi, but halted these studies because of the political instability and potential risks to the company's personnel. Today Andover Resources NL is once again active in the region. Small scale gold and columbite-tantalite mining is currently being undertaken by Comebu, a local private company.

The government of Burundi is eager to encourage foreign direct investment and has put policies in place to encourage these FDIs. Burundi's current mining code makes this industry very attractive to investors.