The equatorial African Republic of Gabon has shown interest in India’s participation in the exploration and exploitation of its mining resources. This came out during the discussions when the Minister of Mines, Shri Sis Ram Ola, called on the President of the Republic of Gabon, Mr. El. Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba here today. The President mentioned that Gabon is rich in mineral resources like manganese, petrol, diamond, gold, lime stone and columbium. It has got the second largest resources of manganese ore. It exports petroleum and manganese to different countries. The Republic seeks cooperation of the emerging economic powers like India for exploring and exploiting its mineral reserves.
The Mines Minister, Shri Ola said, India has vast mineral reserves and state-of-the-art technology in mining and exploration. The Geological Survey of India (GSI), is an organization of more than 150 years and has tremendous expertise in survey and exploration. The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and the Mineral Exploration Corporation of India (MECL) have also built up lot of expertise in different aspects of exploration and mining. India has also a vibrant private sector with vast technical know-how, expertise and resources to tap the mineral potential. The Minister said, in view of rich mineral potential of Gabon and its interest in attracting investment, India would like to cooperate with them in mining sector. Modalities of cooperation with Gabon will be formulated after getting all information on its mining sector.
DS/AS/040506-GabonDelegation
(Release ID :17460)