eritrea's minister of mines in paydirt article, page-2

I found 3 articles from www.capitaleritrea.com website that mentions Mr Ali and a bit about the paydirt conference. I have fond memories of the time I met 2 Eritrean blokes staying on the same floor as me in a cheap hotel ($6 per day) in Sana'a. They were shocked ( and a bit embarrassed ) when i ' pegged ' them as diplomats. It was not long after the time of the Red Sea incident and the Yemeni's were not in the mood ( they kept them waiting 7 weeks before having a brief meeting ). I asked and they told me about Eritrea and conditions there and cultural/political views ( unclassified ) and how it is not as corrupt as some would imagine but it is ' strict ' with its rules/laws. Anyway , here is the web link and the 3rd article.

http://www.capitaleritrea.com/?s=ahmed+haj+ali&x=32&y=10

1 - Eritrea Mine Analyst Tour
2 - Gold search picks up in Eritrea
3 - Eritrean Minister addresses Mining Companies in Perth, Australia.

Asmara, 7 September 2009 – The Minister of Energy and Mines, Mr. Ahmed Haj Ali, stated that Eritrea has managed to become central gravity of mining companies thanks to the conducive ground created for mining and the prevailing peace and stability. He made the remarks at the conference of mining investors that was held in the Australian city of Perth on September 3.

Mr. Ahmed gave extensive briefings on the objective mining situation in Eritrea and the speedy development being witnessed in the sector. He indicated that on top of the operating mining companies in Eritrea, 8 new companies have already been involved in the activities this year.

Pointing out that the Eritrean government has created favorable atmosphere through putting in place the necessary infrastructure facilities in a bid to encourage investors, the Minister explained that there exist effective and speedy mining permit in the country. As a result of such advantages, Eritrea has become central gravity of mining institutions, he added.

Also speaking at the conference, the director of the Chalice Gold Mining Company, Mr. Michael Griffiths, said that the prevailing peace and stability in Eritrea, coupled with a number of other advantages are among the main factors that encouraged the Chalice Company to engage in mining activities in Eritrea. He also expressed appreciation to Eritrea’s full support for the realization of the investment.

Over 200 companies from different parts of the world, more than 900 diplomats of various countries and owners of big capital participated in the conference. Meanwhile, Mr. Ahmed Haj Ali held talks with the Australian Foreign Minister, Hon. Stephen Smith, on enhancing relations between the two countries