• COUNTRY IN FOCUS
conducted , but no significant oil or gas discoveries have been made . The occurrence of polymetallic nodules is considered to be economically unviable to develop .
There is the potential to produce cement domestically , but due to the high demand , most cement is imported from Middle Eastern and Asian countries . The country is also fully dependent on the import of coal and fuel to operate . Mauritius operates a combination of diesel , coal , bagasse and hydroelectrical power generation to supply the domestic demand for electricity . The electrical supply is met by both a national electricity generation agency and smaller independent power producers .
Reunion Reunion , which is considered as an overseas department of France , is located about 650km east of Madagascar and within ferry distance from Mauritius . The domestic demand for aggregates is met by crushing and milling plants at Bras Panon , Sainte-Clotilde , Saint-Joseph , and Saint-Pierre . While seacoast coral and hydraulic cement created by grinding imported clinker supports the construction industry , Reunion is fully dependent on imports of all other products and fuel .
The Republic of Seychelles The Republic of Seychelles is a group of 40 granitic and 50 or more coralline islands located northeast of Madagascar . Largely self-sufficient in terms of producing industrial aggregate minerals , construction materials mined include clay , coral , sand , and stone . The Seychelles is fully dependent on imports of cement . Although offshore exploration has indicated the presence of petroleum and natural gas , it is unlikely to be developed , and the islands are currently dependent on imports of fuel .
It is clear that the established construction sector can to a large extent be supported by the small-scale mining operation of domestically produced aggregate in these small Indian Ocean island nations . They will however remain dependent on the import of cement and fuel to expand their infrastructure and daily power requirements . The African Indian Ocean islands will remain dependent on tourism as their main source of income – the main threat being the possible increase in extreme weather conditions . •
The increasing cost of fuel imports and limited biofuel reserves may prompt the Comores to seek investment and donations to develop these geothermal resources .
About the author : Dr Nicolaas C Steenkamp is an independent consultant , specialising in geological , geotechnical and geometallurgical projects and mining project management . He has over two decades of industry experience with global exposure . ncs . contract @ gmail . com
18 • African Mining • July 2022 www . africanmining . co . za