A ‘Séminaire National des Mines et de l’Energie’ took place in Yamassoukro, Cote d’Ivoire on 9-10 June.  The event was attended by almost 600 people, of which perhaps 100 were from overseas.  The occasion represented an important ‘stock-taking’ of the mining, petroleum, gas and electricity sectors and the challenges faced by the new government.

The plenary session was introduced by the Minister of Mines and Energy, Adama Toungara, and followed by presentations on Mining, Petroleum and Electricity.  CITAC Chairman Mark Elliott made the presentation on Petroleum and focussed on the growing petroleum demand in Africa in general and the Gulf of Guinea in particular. 

Following the plenary session, participants were invited to join one of seven break-out groups discussing various aspects of the three major sectors.  Each group itemised the strengths and weaknesses of the current situation and proposed solutions to redress the problem areas.  At the final session the organisers recognised that the proposals amounted to a significant list of needs but presented a starting point for future debate.

The very positive atmosphere that existed throughout the seminar was brought back to reality by the Minister in his press conference after the seminar when he advised that the gas reserves in the country had become so depleted that he saw the possibility of power cuts in all regions starting in about two years time.  He further added that he saw this continuing until the government could restart exploration activity and further develop the country’s hydropower potential.

The seminar ended with a spectacular gala dinner that was well attended and greatly enjoyed by all the participants.