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Does Mining Benefit Africa?

Some of the most mineral-rich African countries are also the poorest. Could it be that mineral resources in Africa are a curse?

Africa is richly endowed with mineral resources.

According to the African Union, the continent holds two fifths of the world's uranium and gold, three quarters of the world's platinum and 90% of the world's diamonds.

Yet most Africans still live in poverty.

In 2010, out of 41 countries ranking lowest on the UN's Human Development list, 34 were African.

How can we explain the contradiction between this mineral wealth and the poverty of the people?

Is there a way to increase the flow of benefits from mining in Africa to the local population?

Available now

55 minutes

Last on

Sun 31 Jul 2011 13:05GMT

Broadcast

  • Sun 31 Jul 2011 13:05GMT