scholarly journals Global Deposits of Rare Earth Elements and Prospects in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Author(s):  
Georges M. Kasay ◽  
Anthony Bolarinwa ◽  
Olawale K. Aromolaran ◽  
Charles Nzolang ◽  
Alain S. Kivava

Abstract Rare earth elements (REE) are not as rare as their name indicate, but the deposits in which they are found at an economic interest are not very common. They are enriched in carbonatites, pegmatites, alkaline and per-alkaline igneous rocks, placers, laterites, veins, bauxites and iron adsorption clays. Economic deposits of REE are mined from 3 main minerals, which are bastnaesite, monazite and xenotime. REE have been widely used in many high-tech and green technology gadgets, including batteries, computer memories, permanent magnets, smartphones, solar panels, wind turbines, speakers, air conditioners and many other applications. Due to these applications, REE are sought after by many developed and developing economies. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is endowed with mineral potentials. Studies have speculated REE concentration in areas with carbonatite complexes such as Lueshe, Bingo and Kirumba. Other regions with REE potentials include pegmatites. A high weathering rate contributes to metals and REE deposition in lateritic profiles of pegmatites and other alkaline rocks. Additionally, there are placers in many locations of riverbanks. For example, the alluvial placers of Kabengelwa, Mashabuto and Obaye are enriched in monazite and contain significant quantities of rare earth oxides. We believe that, with more research and explorations, the DRC could be a potential target for future REE projects.

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 40-50
Author(s):  
Atsede Woldie ◽  
Bushige Mwangaza Laurence ◽  
Brychan Thomas

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in income generation, job creation, poverty reduction and reducing income inequality of all countries, regardless of the level of development. Nevertheless, in developing countries, they are exposed to several challenges affecting their business operations and growth. Among others, access to external financing has been cited to be the most pressing challenge for SMEs in developing economies. The lack of accessibility has been indicated to result from the deficiencies observed from both financial institutions and SMEs. Further, it has been discovered that from the SMEs’ perspective, gender, among other entrepreneurial characteristics, has a role in accessing finance. This paper surveys a sample of 109 SMEs in the Democratic Republic of Congo not only to find what are the challenges faced in seeking finance, but also to investigate the extent to which gender impacts access to finance. The evidence gathered shows that finance is really constraining, there are more rejections than approvals of finance due to the lack of collateral, high interest rates and the inability of SMEs to develop attractive and bankable projects. With regards to gender, the findings were somehow assuring in the sense that when both women and men apply for external finance, they stand the same chances of accessing finance. Recommendations were established to all the actors. SMEs must put more effort into regulating their businesses in order to reduce their risks and build strong relationships with lenders. Financial institutions should not only reconsider the interest rates as they were perceived to be extremely high, but also train SMEs to be “more bankable”. Lastly, the Government should implement policies to support firms and render the business environment more appealing for both SMEs and financial institutions.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Chamboko ◽  
Robert Cull ◽  
Xavier Gine ◽  
Soren Heitmann ◽  
Fabian Reitzug ◽  
...  

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 1485-1497
Author(s):  
Mia Nsokimieno Misilu Eric

The current state of large cities in Democratic Republic of Congo highlights the necessity of reinventing cities. More than fifty years after the independence, these major cities, like Kinshasa the capital city, are in a state of are in a state of disrepair. They are damaged, dysfunctional, and more vulnerable. Today, these legacy cities do not meet the international requirements of livable cities. Democratic Republic of Congo faces the challenge of rebuilding its cities for sustainability. The movement for independence of African countries enabled the shift from colonial cities to legacy cities. It is important to understand the cultural and ideological foundations of colonial city. Commonly, colonial cities served as purpose-built settlements for the extraction and transport of mineral resources toward Europe. What's required is a creative reconstruction to achieve a desired successful urban change. Creative reconstruction tends to ensure urban transformation in relation with urbanization, by making continuous and healthy communities. Creative reconstruction seems appropriate way of building back cities in harmony with cultural values. The article provides a framework for urban regeneration. The study is based on principle of thinking globally and acting locally in building back better cities.


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