In May 2009 the Congolese government agreed to put on hold US$3 billion of the deal while a feasibility study for the mineral concessions is finalized.

This is where BOSS's major mineral concessions are situated.

In return, he promised Portugal money, mineral concessions and the right to build a fortress in Soyo to keep out the Dutch.

Coryndon also confirmed that the 1890 mineral concession gave BSAC no right to make land grants.

The new provinces brought wealth to Italy, and fortunes were made through mineral concessions and enormous slave run estates.

"You have trespassed in a mineral concession in the Abbay valley," said Helm.

Rhodes also wanted a mineral concession for the BSAC in Katanga, which was known to have copper and was thought might also have gold.

To develop this nascent sector the Egyptian government took a first step by awarding mineral concessions, in what was considered the first international bid round.

Zimbabwean officials have openly said that they are seeking mineral concessions to finance the military presence in Congo.

Under Bolivian law, local and foreign companies are treated equally in obtaining mineral concessions.