Cote+D'Ivoire+Strategic+Minerals

=China National Geological And Mining Corporation (CGM) Is Likely To Make Moderate Investments Into Manganese Mining Industry Of Cote d'Ivoire=

Executive Summary:
It is likely that Chinese companies will make moderate investments into Cote d'Ivoire's mineral mining industry. In 2009, CGM stated their intentions to increase the output of Cote d'Ivoire's manganese mines. An investment of around USD 20 million was used to increase production from 150,000 tons a year to 500,000 tons by 2013. Cote d'Ivoire's natural resources are relatively unexploited and rich in minerals sought after by the Chinese such as iron ore, copper, manganese, bauxite, and tantalum.

Discussion:
Cote d'Ivoire's mining industry is currently focused on gold mining, however, currently no Chinese companies have invested into the gold industry. Cote d'Ivoire is rich in minerals such as iron ore, copper, manganese, bauxite, tantalum, and diamonds, but the general disrepair and outright lack of necessary infrastructure makes it difficult for extraction of these minerals to occur.

In 2009, CGM stated their intentions to increase the output of Cote d'Ivoire's manganese mines, specifically the Lauzoua/Mokta Mine, from 300,000 tons per year to 500,000 tons per year by 2013. Along with developing the Lauzoua/Moka Mine, a manganese factory was planned which will produce 50,000 tons of processed manganese per year. This venture totaled to approximately USD 22 million and would provide Cote d'Ivoire-owned Sodemi with a stake of 51 percent, CGM with a stake of 39 percent, and the Cote d'Ivoire government itself with a stake of 10 percent. Manganese produced at this mine will be exported to China and Ukraine, though the percentage that each nation will receive is not stated.

Analytic Confidence:
Analytic confidence is medium. Source reliability ranges from medium to high. There is no conflict between sources. The analyst had low expertise on the subject, did not use a structured analytic method, worked alone, and collaborated with a team. The subject is moderately complex and the deadline was moderately difficult to meet.


 * Analyst****:** Jared DeTal