Maputo — THE resource curse has returned to haunt Mozambique with deadly consequences, this time pitting international mining companies and villagers resisting their uprooting from their areas the firms see as ripe for mineral extraction. The Moatize District in the western Tete Province is expected to become the region's energy powerhouse, built on coal and hydroelectricity, but has become the epicentre of community protests against mining companies eager to cash in on the resources boom in the Southern African country. A number of companies including Brazil's Vale S.A, British firm Rio Tinto, the Australian Riversdale Resources as well as Indian giant Jindal Steel and Power Limited have invaded, according to locals, the area with investments worth billions of dollars.
Their extensive concession rights cover half the province.
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