To be fair, if the Cameroon Government have announced the start...

To be fair, if the Cameroon Government have announced the start of the Railway by late August, then the wheels must be in motion.

The Africans see this going ahead, so it hasn't failed.

I'd prefer not to have to wait for the 'fanfare of a photo opportunity in front of media' to get clarity...but that's likely up to the primary investors/beneficiaries to announce. The primary construction partners, the major off-takers, the African Government Ministers.

IF the 'West African Project' is as sizeable as I'm anticipating, then this event will be splashed across the front page of the AFR surely.

The Primary Construction Partners
• China Railway 20 Bureau Group Corporation (CR20G) • China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) • China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) • CCC Mining Group Limited (CCCM) • China National Chemical Engineering Heavy-Mechanized Corporation Ltd. (CNCEHMC)

The confirmed Off-takers(to date)

• Tsingshan Holding Group Shanghai International Trading Co

Working backward from a 'late August' kick-off, any fanfare in Yaounde has to occur prior, and it takes weeks to get these things arranged - legal prep, printing documents for the signing ceremony, travel arrangements, media liaison - so early August? If we are to hear anything from Austsino management, then perhaps July? All just guesses really, but the end-date is known.

Here's what Chat GPT says:

Reporting on a massive iron ore project in Africa, or any large-scale industrial project for that matter, would require significant preparation from the media team. Here are some steps that could be involved:

1. Background Research: The first step would be to conduct detailed background research on the project. This would include learning about the involved parties (e.g., mining companies, local and national governments), the location of the project, and the type of iron ore deposit. Additionally, understanding the industrial process of extracting and processing iron ore will be beneficial.
2. Understanding the Context: Understanding the political, economic, environmental, and social context of the project is crucial. This would involve researching the history of mining in the region, the region's governance, and any potential conflicts (e.g., over land use or environmental conservation).
3. Impact Analysis: Journalists need to look at the potential impact of the project. This includes the potential economic benefits, such as job creation and increased income for the region and country, as well as the potential environmental impact. There might also be social implications, such as displacement of local communities, changes in demographics, or effects on local cultures and traditions.
4. Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders are important for getting a balanced view of the project. This may include representatives from the mining company, government officials, environmental experts, local community leaders, and workers. It's important to ensure that these interviews are conducted ethically and with respect for the interviewees' rights.
5. Site Visits: If possible, the media team should visit the project site and surrounding areas. This will give them a firsthand view of the project and its impact. It may also provide opportunities for direct interaction with local communities and workers.
6. Legal and Ethical Considerations: Understanding the legal and ethical issues related to the project and its reporting is essential. For example, there might be restrictions on what information can be shared, or ethical considerations around the treatment of workers or impact on local communities.
7. Fact-Checking: Before any report is published, it's important to verify all facts and data. This can be a complex process, particularly for large projects with many stakeholders and sources of information.
8. Drafting and Editing: Once all the information is gathered and verified, the actual writing of the report begins. This requires a clear and compelling narrative that is understandable to the target audience. This might require multiple drafts and rounds of editing.
9. Visuals: Depending on the media outlet, there might be a need for visuals such as photographs, diagrams, or infographics to accompany the report. These would need to be sourced or created and should be accurate and relevant to the story.
10. Publication and Follow-Up: After the report is published, there may be follow-up activities such as answering questions from readers or viewers, responding to any controversy or criticism, and tracking the story as it develops.

The goal of the media is to provide accurate, balanced, and comprehensive information to the public. So it's important to approach such a complex issue as a massive iron ore project with thorough preparation and integrity.

GLTAH!