21 January 2008
An important impact on employment and the country's economy is expected as reserves of gold, titanium, silicon, iron and uranium have been found in the small West African country of the Gambia.
President Yahya Jammeh announced the news last Saturday for the Muslim New Year.
He said: "We are 100 per cent certain that the minerals are in this country and can be exploited."
According to the Journal Chretien, the president added: "I can’t imagine the number of youths that can be employed because of this development."
The discovery of uranium is of major importance as governments around the globe try to meet carbon emissions limits by renewing their nuclear power.
Niger is currently West Africa's largest exporters of uranium but many other countries in the area also boast important reserves of the much sought after mineral.
Another important discovery took place four years ago when oil was found in the country. No production has yet started but operating licences were issued to Canadian company Buried Hills Energy.
