Botswana third world-wide in mineral investment risk, says survey

According to Resourcestocks' Annual World Risk Survey of the global mining industry during 2004, Botswana is third in global rankings in terms of investment risk in the mineral sector. The internationally authoritative report indicates that Botswana has now overtaken the United States to occupy third position in the global rankings, just below Australia and Canada. The United States has now dropped to fifth position, which was previously occupied by Botswana, while Chile has held on to its fourth spot for the second year in a row. In addition to Botswana, for the first time this year's survey also has two other African countries, Ghana and Tanzania, in its global top 10. The annual World Risk Survey is conducted among resource sector leaders located around the world who allocate scores of between "0", or "no risk", to "5" or "maximum risk", in 10 different categories: Sovereign risk, land access, green tape, land claims, red tape, social risk, infrastructure, civil unrest, natural disasters, and labour relations. In the summary, the report's authors observe of Botswana that diamonds had changed the finances of Botswana, and government encouraged foreign investment, especially foreign mining investment. Botswana held a new status as one of the world's most attractive investment destinations, especially for explorer/miners.
In the meantime, London-based Diamond Trading Company (DTC) said it was in the process of detailed discussions with the Botswana government to extend its activities in the country, including sales and marketing. (Mmegi/The Reporter, Gaborone)