Mining roadblocks stifle Guinea post-Ebola recovery

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Local Development ◽  
Commodity Prices ◽  
Malaria Diagnosis ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Mining Sector ◽  
Sector Reform ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Group Violence ◽  
State Participation ◽  
United Front

Subject Outlook for the mining sector in Guinea. Significance Ahead of presidential polls in October and amid predictions that the economy will contract by 0.3% this year, President Alpha Conde is prioritising mining sector reform. Through greater state participation, he hopes to secure local development benefits. However, the sector remains frustrated by inadequate infrastructure, low commodity prices and investor unease, recently exacerbated by the Ebola crisis. Impacts Popular avoidance of clinics over Ebola-linked fears will undermine malaria diagnosis and treatment, driving up fatalities. The likely tie-up between Camara, Diallo and Sidya Toure could create a united front against Conde, posing a real electoral threat. However, Camara's indictment for a 2009 massacre, issued on July 8, could complicate his ability to campaign on the ground. Mobilisation along ethnic lines could escalate rhetoric ahead of polls, raising the risk of inter-group violence.

Namibian mining boost to prompt growth return

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Budget Deficit ◽  
Commodity Prices ◽  
Economic Environment ◽  
Local Ownership ◽  
Mining Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Production Models ◽  
Run Up

Significance The prospects for the mining sector in 2017 will be significantly shaped by uranium prices. Despite a difficult macro-economic environment, Namibia is positioning itself to take advantage of a potential rebound in commodity prices. While several projects are on hold and existing mines continue to limit production at current prices, the Swakop Uranium-owned Husab mine is set to make Namibia the world's third-largest uranium producer. Impacts Increased mineral exports will reduce a 294-million-dollar budget deficit. Unemployment should fall, although mining's contribution will be limited due to prevailing production models. Debates on local-ownership requirements are likely to become more polarised in the run-up to SWAPO’s elective congress later this year.

scholarly journals Stock returns, oil prices and leverage: evidence from US firms

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Ruhul Amin ◽  
Andre Varella Mollick
Keyword(s):  
Stock Returns ◽  
Cash Flow ◽  
Commodity Prices ◽  
Oil Prices ◽  
Fixed Effect ◽  
Debt Maturity ◽  
Oil Price ◽  
Mining Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate how the relation between stock returns of US firms and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil prices is affected by leverage from 1990 to 2020.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines how the relationship between stock returns of US firms and WTI oil prices is affected by leverage from 1990 to 2020 using a fixed-effect model estimation framework.FindingsResults from the fixed-effect regression models suggest that leverage effects on stock returns are pervasive both in aggregate and cross-industry levels, while the mining industry is more sensitive. In addition to the positive oil price effects attenuated by leverage at the aggregate level, the authors observe stronger marginal effects of leverage only for the mining sector. Being more exposed to commodity prices, the positive effects of oil prices on stock returns in the mining sector are offset by large debt ratios. Asymmetries, effects of debt maturity structure and implications are also discussed.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is grounded on the contemporary cash flow claim of leverage NOT on the long-run effect of leverage considering cash flow constraints. The oil price increase is assumed to represent an advancement of the overall economy. This study does not capture the oil prices response to some other economic forces and vice-versa.Practical implicationsMining companies should therefore reduce the stock of debt with respect to their assets to make possible the “pass-through” from oil prices to the stock market.Originality/valuePreviously undocumented and the authors show that leverage reduces the total effect of oil prices on stock returns, consistent with the hypothesis. Asymmetric and debt maturity structures effects are also discussed.

Regulatory uncertainty mars Colombian mining outlook

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Commodity Prices ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Regulatory Environment ◽  
Mining Operations ◽  
Mining Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Illegal Mining ◽  
Regulatory Uncertainty ◽  
Mining Projects ◽  
Exploration Activity

Subject The outlook for the mining sector. Significance Mining firms operating in Colombia have expressed increasing concern over the lack of clarity in legislation governing extractive activity in the country. Difficulties in navigating the complex regulatory environment, and the unclear direction of future reform, have served to increase risks for those planning substantial investments in mining projects. Coupled with lower global commodity prices, the confused state of legislation is encouraging extractive firms to delay or scale back their investments. Impacts Poor performance of the mining sector is likely to have negative implications for overall economic growth. The reduction in exploration activity could jeopardise mining performance for several years, by reducing the pipeline of new projects. Reduced formal exploitation increases the risk of invasions by environmentally unsound informal and illegal mining operations.

President will try to fracture Congolese opposition

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Commodity Prices ◽  
Mining Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Leader Following ◽  
Political Figure

Significance On March 3 the main opposition bloc in the DRC, Le Rassemblement (or the Rally), announced that Tshisekedi, whose UDPS is one of the central groups comprising the Rally, had taken over as leader following the death of his father and former leader Etienne Tshisekedi. Although a known political figure, Felix lacks both the experience and political savvy of his late father. Under his leadership, the opposition may fracture as politicians work towards implementing a fragile political accord agreed to at the start of the year. Impacts Western states will condemn any attempt by Kabila to change the constitution. Developments in the mining sector and rising commodity prices will improve Kinshasa’s fiscal position. Restive eastern regions will witness an escalation in conflict until elections are held.

From Ossau and Iraty to PDO Ossau-Iraty

2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (12) ◽  
pp. 3062-3075 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morgane Millet
Keyword(s):  
Local Development ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Farm Production ◽  
Protected Designation Of Origin ◽  
Summer Pasture ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Term Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand how a geographical indication (GI) is built through time and how its (non)appropriation by local producers shapes it. The reciprocity of such process is also considered: how the creation of a GI changes local relationships between producers, within the GI and out of it? The case of Ossau-Iraty is relevant: in south-west of France, this protected designation of origin (PDO) has been based on two distinct regions: Bearn (Ossau) and Pays Basque (Iraty). Since then, most producers of Bearn have rejected this PDO. Design/methodology/approach The author adopts a diachronic perspective: the trajectory of the local dairy ewe sector is described, focusing on the trajectory of on-farm cheese makers from Bearn and Pays Basque and the trajectory of Ossau-Iraty. Based on different methods (qualitative interviews and archive research), this paper aims at analyzing the interactions within such heterogeneous networks. Findings When the PDO was created (1980), the opposition between producers of Bearn and Pays Basque was based on strong senses of place, which would be translated in a different perception of tradition: to Bearn producers, PDO Ossau-Iraty would be an industrial cheese, in which they did not recognize their product and themselves. With time, the producers who have been involved in the PDO worked on its specifications. The recognition of symbolic practices such as on-farm production or Summer pasture production, the recognition of differences between Basque cheese and Bearn cheese are changes that contribute to the evolution of perceptions within the local producers’ community. The author observes a recent convergence between Basque producers and Bearn producers, as their distinct products share common and strong qualifications within PDO Ossau-Iraty that contribute to their respective valorization. However, it seems to occur at an institutional level and the adhesion of the local producers might still be at stakes. Research limitations/implications A statistical study could reinforce the author’s exploratory and historical research. Furthermore, it would have been relevant to take local inhabitants and local consumers into account, as they have participated in the products’ qualifications as well. Originality/value A long-term analysis (40 years) contributes to better understand how cheeses are valorized and how such process is based on controversial processes. It contributes to root GIs into local histories, which are nor as consensual neither as uniform as we would primarily think, and to identity levers for sustainable local development.

Risk assessment of mining projects in Ghana

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Teye Amoatey ◽  
Samuel Famiyeh ◽  
Peter Andoh
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Commodity Prices ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Culture ◽  
Mining Project ◽  
Mining Projects

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the critical risk factors affecting mining projects in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A purposive sampling approach was used in selecting the respondents for the study. These were practitioners working on mining projects in Ghana. Findings The study identified 22 risk factors contributing to mining project failure in Ghana. The five most critical mining project risk factors based on both probability of occurrence and impact were unstable commodity prices, inflation/exchange rate, land degradation, high cost of living and government bureaucracy for obtaining licenses. Mitigation measures for addressing the identified risk factors were identified. Research limitations/implications This paper is limited to data collected from practitioners working on mining projects. Due to geographic and logistical constraints, the study did not include the perception of local communities in quantifying the risk factors. Practical implications This paper has documented the critical risk factor affecting the mining industry in Ghana. Though the identified risk types are also prevalent in other sectors of the construction industry, the key findings of this paper emphasize the need for a comprehensive risk management culture in the mining sector. From an academic research perspective, the paper contributes to a conceptual risk assessment framework. Originality/value The information gathered through this research can be utilized in identifying and understanding risks during the early stages of mining project implementation.

Brain-stem hemangioma calcificans

1983 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 150-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Occhiogrosso ◽  
Aristide Carella ◽  
Paola D'aprile ◽  
Giacomo Vailati
Keyword(s):  
Brain Stem ◽  
Cavernous Hemangioma ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A case of brain-stem hemangioma calcificans is described. The few cases reported in the literature prove the rarity of this tumor, which is considered a benign variant of cerebral cavernous hemangioma. Diagnosis and treatment of these tumors are briefly discussed with a review of the literature including 11 previous cases.

Graduate certificate in local development planning, land use management and disaster risk management: a knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Pablo Sarmiento ◽  
Catalina Sarmiento ◽  
Gabriela Hoberman ◽  
Meenakshi Chabba
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Development Planning ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Knowledge Assessment ◽  
Land Use Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Graduate Certificate ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

PurposeThis study aims to assess knowledge retention of the graduates of the online graduate certificate on local development planning, land use management and disaster risk management (PDLOTGR, the abbreviation of the certificate's Spanish title). The certificate was offered to practitioners and faculty members of Latin American countries since 2016.Design/methodology/approachThe authors reviewed the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) method to develop a specific approach, which included the preparation of a KAP survey, a composite KAP index and three sub-indices. The survey targeted two groups: (1) experimental group, composed of the certificate's 76 graduates, and (2) control group, comprised of 25 certificate's candidates, who had not yet undergone the training/intervention. The statistical analysis included a one-way multivariate analysis of variance to compare the mean scores on the KAP index and sub-indices for individuals in the experimental and control groups.FindingsThe study results showed significant differences in the knowledge sub-index between those who had completed the PDLOTGR training and those who had not, while the attitudes and practices sub-indices did not show significant differences. When using the KAP index, a statistically significant difference was also observed between the two groups.Originality/valuePerceived knowledge assessment offers an acceptable and non-intimidating option for evaluating continuing education and professional development programs associated to disaster risk. It is particularly helpful in determining whether an intervention or program has a lasting impact. It is not, however, a substitute for direct knowledge assessment, and the use of other methods to evaluate the performance of a capacity building program's graduates.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document