Burundi Pins Development Hopes 150 Million-Ton Nickel Mine

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Written by Richard Finlayson, Senior International Editor for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The small Central African country of Burundi is among the 10 countries that have substantial untapped deposits of nickel, according to a study commissioned in 2009 by the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Now, a new nickel mine has been opened by the Burundi government in the country's Musongati region. The mine is reported to hold 150 million tons of nickel. The Burundi Mining Metallurgy International and the government operate Burundi Musongati Mining (BMM) project.

After years of instability caused by tribe-based civil strife, as well as the country's proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, the new project is seen as a token of progress in the densely populated country.

"The launch of the mining activities is an eloquent sign of peace recovered and stability," said Gervais Rufyikiri, the second vice president of Burundi.

"The nickel deposits also exist in Nyabikere and Waga, but the most important deposit is the one of Musongati," he added.

Burundi has an area of 27,834 square kilometers and a population of 10.4 million, of which more than 45% are 14 years old and younger. It is one of the poorest and least globalized countries in the world. The government aims to use revenue generated from the mine to implement projects, develop programs and reduce poverty.

During studies by the World Bank and United Nations Development Programme, other metals, such as iron, copper, cobalt and platinum, also have been discovered.

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