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Lonrho Afrika moving towards Profit (LAF)     

ainsoph - 19 Mar 2003 12:43

results today .... always interesting and worth a read if you have the time ... these are not for the faint hearted as a lot of interesting peeps have substantial stakes and the company consisted of hundreds of tiny non-related companies spread across Southern Afrika. Many have been sold - closed or have been given away to their management .... however a lot has now already happened and although much smaller we are now looking towards profits.

The shares have moved up over 50% since the start of 2003 and I think there is more to come



ains

quidnunc - 19 Mar 2003 12:53 - 2 of 41

Certainly good for a LAF

ainsoph - 19 Mar 2003 21:46 - 3 of 41

Lonrho deserts Africa BBC NEWS


Tiny Rowland's ambitious plans saddled the firm with heavy debts
Lonrho Africa, once one of the continent's most powerful and wide-reaching business empires, has decided to desert Africa for more profitable ventures elsewhere.
Chairman Bernard Asher said in a statement that the firm would sell its remaining assets in Africa this year to seek opportunities with "good investment returns and more secure operating conditions than prevail in much of Africa today".

The news came as the firm reported its annual results, which already include a long list of diverse African assets that had been, or were in the process of being, sold.

A spokeswoman for the firm declined to comment on Lonrho's decision to leave Africa but said the sell-off was in line with the firm's debt reduction strategy.

Lonrho Africa was orignially an unprofitable mining firm in Zimbabwe. It was turned into a multibillion dollar conglomerate spanning more than 60 countries by the late business tycoon, Tiny Rowland.

UK focus

The extent of the influence exerted in Africa by Mr Rowland and Lonrho became highly controversial in the 1970s.

Former British prime minister Sir Edward Heath described him as "the unpleasant and unacceptable face of capitalism".

Mr Rowland's expansive ambitions also saddled the firm with a heavy debt burden, eventually leading to his ousting from the boardroom in 1993.

The company's mining operations were then demerged, with Lonrho Africa taking on the rest of the group's original portfolio.

The firm's assets included a construction business in Zimbabwe, timber in Kenya, hotels in Ghana, distribution networks in Nigeria, farming services in Malawi and a large portfolio of property throughout the country.

Asset sales made during the last financial year helped Lonrho return to an operating profit and more than halve its net debt.

The firm, once of paramount importance in the world of African business, says it will now concentrate its efforts on the UK.

ainsoph - 04 Apr 2003 15:51 - 4 of 41

LONDON (AFX) - Lonrho Africa PLC said it has agreed an 'amicable settlement' following High Court proceedings in Nairobi, Kenya arising from the receivership of Lonrho Motors East Africa.
It said the plaintiffs have withdrawn all claims against Lonrho Africa and two former directors.

In a statement to the London Stock Exchange, the company said:"Lonrho Africa and the two former directors are pleased to have reached an amicable settlement of the dispute without any admission of liability on the part of Lonrho Africa and its former directors."

ainsoph - 17 Apr 2003 08:06 - 5 of 41

AGM resolutions passed inc the company share buy back proposals

Guscavalier - 08 Mar 2007 15:43 - 6 of 41

Lonrho Africa could represent a good vehicle over the next few years into the developing African market. The new management have the incentives and probably the backing to expand and diversify into transport, mining ,water,tourism and infrastructure. They may well get the timing right on this. I purchased at 25 1/4p .Might be worth a look.

moneyplus - 08 Mar 2007 15:44 - 7 of 41

I agree but watching for now.

Guscavalier - 23 Mar 2007 13:34 - 8 of 41

Just noticed that a 9.38% stake has been purchased by MacKenzie Cundill Inv. Man. I looked these up on Google and they manage various value & growth funds and have an international flavour. Nice to see such support.

Guscavalier - 28 Mar 2007 09:32 - 9 of 41

The Outlook seems reasonably upbeat when looking at Prelims today. Around 50% of Market Cap is represented by cash. Will be interesting to see this one develop.

Guscavalier - 04 Apr 2007 08:56 - 10 of 41

Article by Tom Stevenson in today's Telegraph highlighting the Company and mentioning the latest water deal. Also on www.telegraph.co.uk

Guscavalier - 20 Apr 2007 08:18 - 11 of 41

Although modest in size financially, the latest water deal announced today is another piece in a large jigsaw. The Company has paid US$1.211m for a 34% stake in Sociedade de Aquas de Mocambigue(''SAM'') and intends to increase its interest to 50%+ by buying out minority interests. SAM is an extracter with 4 known springs, bottler and distibuter and a new bottling plant has been installed. LAF can see synagies by using its Swissta Water management and technical expertise and the land can also be used for leisure development. LAF also believes that SAM's Principal brand Aqua de Namaacha can be promoted across boarders. The sp firmed a little on the announcement and stands around 30p

Guscavalier - 24 Apr 2007 21:54 - 12 of 41

Ospraie Advisors LP and Ospraie Special Opportunities Master Holdings Ltd have in aggregated purchased a 7.43% stake. Ospraie are a Delaware based medium size investment management group.

PapalPower - 27 Apr 2007 15:04 - 13 of 41

I've been getting a few, looks very interesting !

PapalPower - 27 Apr 2007 15:30 - 14 of 41

Nice recent Telegraph write up to :

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2007/04/04/cnlonrho04.xml



Africa benefits as Lonrho bounces back
By Tom Stevenson
Last Updated: 1:00am BST 05/04/2007



Comment: Not only is this 'acceptable', it's just what Africa needs
The purchase of half of a water bottling plant in Mozambique for $750,000 (379,000) scarcely registers as a significant business deal, until you see who's buying. Lonrho Africa, the AIM-listed rump of "Tiny" Rowland's once powerful international business empire, is back on the acquisition trail, under new management but with the same vaulting ambition to be one of Africa's leading business forces.


David Lenigas wants to help Africas poorest countries as part of his strategy

Snapping up the 50pc of Swissta Holdings that it didn't already own is the latest in a string of buys by Lonrho's new chairman and chief executive, David Lenigas. The enthusiastic Australian deal-maker says it's part of Lonrho's broader strategy to become a pan-African company again.

Nine years after the spin-off of its mining assets finally dismembered Rowland's sprawling empire, Lonrho has a new goal. It wants to put in place the economic building blocks that will help the world's poorest, most corrupt and war-torn continent share the benefits of globalisation.

"The provision of affordable and quality drinking water is a key step towards improving the health and well-being of any population" says Lenigas. "This acquisition is another example of Lonrho's strategy of investing in African infrastructure to pave the way for future growth."

Lonrho has made a good start in the year since Lenigas moved into the company that had been reduced to a paltry 59pc stake in a Mozambique hotel. With the backing of shareholders who have hung in since the Tiny years, the company has already struck deals in mining, ports and aviation. From more or less nothing, Lenigas says he will be disappointed if sales do not reach $100m (50.5m) in the year to September.

Lonrho is re-establishing itself along the lines of Lonrho of old with a diverse portfolio of assets" Lenigas says. "We're using the company's strong brand name and cash position to re-establish a significant presence in Africa."

In May last year, Lonrho bought 63pc of Luba Freeport in Equatorial Guinea, which it is developing into a hub for West Africa's oil and gas industry. It is building a 60,000 square metre facility for ExxonMobil's local operation.

Bringing low-cost flights to East Africa, the company has invested in Fly540, a new airline based in Nairobi. By the end of this year, there are plans to expand into neighbouring countries. "It's going phenomenally" says Lenigas, "competitive on cost, minimal debt and 95pc of flights within 5 minutes of schedule."

Also in the air - roads are so bad " you have to fly" - Lonrho has a stake in South Africa-based Norse Air, a cargo and charter specialist. It has a deal with AngloGold Ashanti to service its African mining operations.

On the back of Africa's emergence as a source of the natural resources required to drive the Asian industrial miracle, Lonrho has a stake in Brinkley Mining, a growing player in the re-emerging market for the uranium that fuels nuclear power stations. Its second mining investment has been a 17pc stake in Nare Diamonds. It found a $2m, 235-carat diamond last year.

Lonrho still has 50 registered subsidiaries in Zimbabwe and Lenigas has no intention of shutting them down. "We won't do anything until the Mugabe issue is resolved but we look forward to getting back into Zimbabwe. Our investors want us to be pan-African and diversified," he says.

Lonrho's new "acceptable face" of capitalism is realistic about the challenges of operating in famously corrupt Africa but, as Lenigas said in a recent interview, "there are so many good deals around, there's no need to do the dodgy ones".

Asked whether a private company like Lonrho is the right way to lift Africa out of the mire, Lenigas quotes a recent conversation with the governor of the Reserve Bank of South Africa: "Africa needs $400bn spent on urgent infrastructure. Foreign donor money doesn't work. Good on you."

---------------------------------------------------------

Tinys huge impact

'Tiny' Rowland Lonrho Africas chairman and chief executive David Lenigas laughs off the suggestion that he is the new "Tiny" Rowland, but he doesnt work hard to deny it. While he might not relish being "the unacceptable face of capitalism" as Rowland, pictured above, was branded by Prime Minister Ted Heath in 1973, he shares his predecessors ambition.

Rowland, who died in 1998, aged 80, transformed Lonrho from a small mining company into a huge conglomerate, with interests ranging from The Observer newspaper to gold mines in Ghana to White & Mackay whisky. He made few friends in the City but is held in high regard in Africa. Even after years in the wilderness, Lonrho retains a loyal army of small shareholders.

Brought in to rejuvenate the London & Rhodesia Mining and Land Company in 1961, Rowland was a maverick who rarely consulted fellow directors before making decisions. He secured his position in 1972 when 3,000 shareholders defeated an attempt by establishment grandee Sir Basil Smallpiece to oust him. Sir Basil was jeered and was voted off the board.

Rowland courted African heads of state, controversially selling a stake in Lonrhos hotel chain to Libya after the Lockerbie bombing. By the end of the 1980s Lonrho was making 270m a year.

That was Lonrhos high water mark, and Rowlands latter years were characterised by bitter feuding with rivals. In 1998, Lonrhos mining assets were hived off as Lonmin, setting the stage for a new "Tiny" to start all over again.

Guscavalier - 27 Apr 2007 15:52 - 15 of 41

PapalPower- the shares have been quietly firm. I get the feeling that we may see an acquisition that is a little more substantial at some stage but, the Board may like to see the shares higher beforehand. Share price currently around 31p.T

PapalPower - 28 Apr 2007 00:48 - 16 of 41

Gus, a large amount of MM buys, X trades and T trades today, and they were big volume ones, not tiny ones.

Would suggest something is going on behind the scenes.

PapalPower - 30 Apr 2007 10:00 - 17 of 41

Latest MoneyWeek free email shot has a mention of Africa and Lonrho :



"Its not like the Nigerian tourist board needed any more bad press.

Three days after another attack on oil workers in the countrys south, Nigeria went to the polls last week to elect a new president. As usual, Nigerians didnt really have much choice in picking their new leader. That had already been done for them.

Ballots were stuffed, boxes were snatched and the opposition was intimidated at every opportunity, in what was deemed to be the most flawed election in the country's 47-year history as an independent country. Unsurprisingly, Umaru YarAdua of the governing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won 70% of the vote against 18% for his closest rival.

The news certainly won't help to change what Max King, co-manager of the Investec Managed Growth Fund calls the huge bias already built into emerging markets. People love China and India, like Asia, are sceptical about Latin America and hate Africa.

Yet his colleagues at the Investec Pan African fund in South Africa have already achieved a 14.4% return for the first quarter of 2007, and 32.8% for the year. Clearly, theres a lot more to Africa than news reports would have us believe

So why have returns in Africa been so good, despite the corruption, the violence, the poverty and all the other hardships associated with the continent? Well the truth is, that much of Africa is doing quite well for itself, even in countries well outside the resource sphere.

Weve spoken about it here before here in Money Week, in a cover story by Merryn Somerset Webb in February (subscribers can read it here: Why you should join the new scramble for Africa ( http://www.moneyweek.com/file/26059/why-you-should-join-the-new-scramble-for-africa.html )). In 2006, equities in Morocco were up 75%, 69% in Uganda, 55% in Botswana and even in Zimbabwe, they rose 13.5%.

In Kenya, a country with few of the precious gemstones or fossil fuels that drive the economies of many of its neighbours, the stock market rallied 46%. As well as a growing agricultural industry and pragmatic policies adopted by its government, the tourism industry has become a big earner for that country. In 2006 the countrys beach resorts and safari parks generated $803 million, up from $699 million from the year beforehand.

And in Nigeria, the stock market's capitalisation has doubled over the 12 months to March to about $45 billion. Indeed, Nigeria has been one of the best performers in Sub-Saharan Africa of late - the global sell-off in March virtually bypassed the country. Real GDP growth is provisionally estimated at 5.6% for 2006, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit, and set to remain strong in 2007 and 2008 at 5.4% and 5.6% respectively on the back of rising oil production and strong non-oil sector growth, in areas such as banking, it says.

A report from Goldman Sachs this week was even more optimistic. It said that annual GDP growth had more than doubled between 2003 and 2006 to an average of 7.3% from less than 3% in the years beforehand. The Nigerian economy has turned a corner over the past few years, and has enjoyed a stable macroeconomic environment and higher growth, said the investment bank. The country is now much less vulnerable to adverse external shocks" because of recent agreements with the Paris and London clubs.

Those agreements allowed Nigeria to restructure its debt, cutting its debt to GDP ratio to 3% at the end of 2006 from 60% debt to GDP in the 1990s. Inflation was 7.7% in February this year, according to Goldman Sachs, from 12% in 2005.

When one considers that back in 1999 most Nigerians thought the country would return to military rule within no time, this is a pretty impressive achievement. Nigeria has now had eight years of uninterrupted democratic governance for the first time since independence in 1960.

You can read more about Nigeria's political situation in the current issue of MoneyWeek - if you're not already a subscriber, click here for a free trial: Free trial ( http://www.moneyweek.com/file/194/subscribe-from-not-logged-in.html ).

Unfortunately, because of that bias mentioned by Max King, it is still quite difficult for retail investors to put their money in individual African markets. Companies like Securities Africa have set up a new platform to allow investors to buy equities across 19 African exchanges, but they require a hefty deposit to do so. Other options like the Investec Africa Fund and the Imara African Opportunities Fund (See Imaraholdings.com) require large minimum investments, $100,000 in the case of Imara.

A good alternative is to invest in a western company like Lonhro or Shell, which weve tipped before here in Money Week, which have significant dealings in Africa. You can find out more on Lonhro in the cover story mentioned above.

As for Shell - Nigeria is the 6th largest exporter of crude oil in the world, and will soon account for 10% of US oil imports, so the importance of the sector cant be over-emphasised. Shell's share price has been punished in recent months for, among other things, its operations in Nigeria being threatened by rebels in the area.

However, this looks a good buying opportunity. Nigeria has a big incentive to repair relations with rebels in the delta. Thats because the country is estimated to have lost around 570 billion naira ($4.4 billion) in oil revenue last year because of the disruption caused - thats about a quarter of output.

The administration has already made a conciliatory gesture to locals by appointing the state's head as vice presidential candidate, GoodLuck Jonathan. Many oil companies are also working to help out in the region and thus calm the local inhabitants - Shell spends $100m a year on social and health programmes in the delta.

On top of this, the shares trade on a forward p/e of just 9.5 and yield 3.9% - with exposure to a rising oil price too, Shell a tempting addition to any portfolio."

Guscavalier - 30 Apr 2007 13:06 - 18 of 41

PapalPower-very interesting Thanks. I subscribe to Money week. I must look into the free email. I think Laf could be in a good position to deal with a new government in Zimbabwe, since Magabe"s rule surely cannot last much longer. There must be significant potential there in what was once called the Bread basket of Africa.

Guscavalier - 02 May 2007 11:10 - 19 of 41

Ospraie reduces stake to 5.64% from 7.43%. Shares remain firm at 32p.

PapalPower - 02 May 2007 12:34 - 20 of 41

All those X trades, a buy and a sell, so no overhang, but it eliminates a weaker holder.

PapalPower - 02 May 2007 14:36 - 21 of 41

100K MM buy, now thats a good sign.

Guscavalier - 04 May 2007 10:55 - 22 of 41

Capital Research & Management Company reported a share stake of 6.28%. This is an American fund manager with around US$ 650bn under management and manages some funds of Pacific Life. Represents quality support.

PapalPower - 04 May 2007 11:32 - 23 of 41

Yep, lets hope they want to buy some more too :)

PapalPower - 09 May 2007 07:35 - 24 of 41

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200705090700582682W

Lonrho Africa PLC
09 May 2007
Lonrho Africa Plc
('Lonrho' or the 'Company')

FLY540, EAST AFRICA'S LARGEST LOW COST AIRLINE EXPANDS FLEET
WITH THREE NEW DOMESTIC ROUTES IN KENYA

Lonrho (AIM: LAF), the pan-African company with infrastructure assets in Africa, is pleased to announce that Fly540, the low cost airline based in Nairobi in which the Company holds a 49% interest, is expanding its fleet with two additional aircraft.

Two Dash 8-100 turbo prop aircraft are expected to arrive in May 2007 and
significantly increase the capacity of the fleet allowing for new domestic
routes to Loki, Wajir and Mandera, in Kenya.

The Canadian manufactured Dash 8-100 turbo prop aircraft, which carries 37
passengers, has an excellent safety history and is extremely popular with low cost airlines around the world due to low operating costs resulting in a
significantly lower break-even point. Fly540's turbo prop aircraft are far more
fuel efficient than jets, allowing Fly540 to offer low budget fares, filling a
large gap in the Kenyan market for affordable no frills air travel.

Last month Fly540 carried over 10,000 passengers demonstrating the demand for low budget air travel in East Africa and the potential that this market offers. The rapidly increasing demand for such services makes this a high growth area of business aligning it with Lonrho's renewed strategic focus.

David Lenigas, Lonrho's Executive Chairman and Chief Executive, commented:

'We are very pleased with the addition of the two Dash 8-100's. This adds a lot of value to the existing fleet and is a significant step towards expanding to regional destinations outside Kenya in the near future.

The direction Fly540 has taken significantly strengthens Lonrho's position and strategy aimed at enhancing infrastructure and related services in Africa
through investments in these high growth sectors. It is our intention to provide low cost value for money air travel in Kenya and the region, and Fly540 have been instrumental in allowing this to happen.'

Guscavalier - 09 May 2007 15:19 - 25 of 41

Steady as she goes. sp 32.25p unchanged after announcement.

PapalPower - 10 May 2007 02:10 - 26 of 41

http://allafrica.com/stories/200705080155.html


South Africa: Rebuilding Tiny Rowland's House

Business Day (Johannesburg) 8 May 2007

Michel Pireupireum Johannesburg


ON March 6 last year Lonrho Africa was trading at 110c a share. By this February the share price was touching 600c.

The renewed interest can be explained by what the company has achieved since receiving approval in February last year for re-establishing its presence in Africa.

Since then it has:

Acquired 63% of Luba Freeport in Equatorial Guinea, which is being developed into the premier west African hub for oil and gas and transshipping;

Retained a 59% interest in, and management contract for, the Hotel Cardoso in Mozambique, which recently reported its best year's trading for eight years;

Invested in Brinkley Mining, a uranium mining company, and Nare Diamonds, a diamond exploration and production company in SA;

Made strong inroads in the transport sector by acquiring 49% of Fly540, a new low-cost airline based in Nairobi and 43% of Norse Air, a cargo and charter passenger air travel business based in SA; and

Acquired a 50% interest in Swissta, a water bottling company with factories in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The company now intends changing its name to its historical moniker, Lonrho.

But, with annual turnover of 3,4m, operating assets of 23,5m and a cash balance of 20,7m at the end of September last year, it is still a long way from regaining its former status.

According to a piece by Merryn Somerset Webb in The Spectator magazine, at its peak Tiny Rowland's Lonrho had 800 businesses operating in everything from textiles and tea estates to Nairobi's famous Norfolk Hotel, and at the end of the 1980s it was making profits of £270m a year.

But David Lenigas who took over last year, sees renewed opportunities. He maintains "there's money all over Africa, a fast-growing middle class, a core of excellent companies, rapidly improving infrastructure, a massive resource base and huge opportunities for those prepared to look below the headlines".

He's quoted by Somerset Webb as saying that the Cardoso Hotel will be unrecognisable by the time it has achieved its five stars and the site next to it has been developed. Bottled water is so in demand that "you can get payback in a year or two".

There are plans for plants in Kenya, Sudan, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.

And all this is just the start. There are a score of other deals on the table and, better still, Lenigas intends to pay for all of them in cash, which in his case seems to be raised at will.

His last fundraising round, he claims, took only three days with "no broker needed".


.

PapalPower - 10 May 2007 10:11 - 27 of 41

Nice few ticks up today.

PapalPower - 10 May 2007 15:09 - 28 of 41

Moving well today, with some strong buying

PapalPower - 10 May 2007 16:14 - 29 of 41

25K MM buy.

L2 now all blue, 2 v 1 @33/33.5

Guscavalier - 10 May 2007 19:25 - 30 of 41

PapalPower- encouraging mention in S.African press highlighting developments to date. Up to now we have not seen a great deal in U.K. media. If, as hoped, the Company executes larger deals I am sure the following will spread. Yes, good solid interest in the shares today. Subject to the size of the next deal, I would not be surprised if LAF raises further funds from shareholders.

PapalPower - 11 May 2007 15:29 - 31 of 41

Some more nice buying and a tick up today as well. Perhaps there is news on the horizon ?

PapalPower - 11 May 2007 15:44 - 32 of 41

More MM buys and more ticks up, looks like stake building is going on.

Guscavalier - 11 May 2007 15:47 - 33 of 41

Yes, or dare I say, a possible mention in the weekend press, given the consistant support.

PapalPower - 12 May 2007 02:29 - 34 of 41

Lonrho Africa PLC
11 May 2007


Lonrho Plc
("Lonrho" or "the Company")

Name change from Lonrho Africa Plc

Following approval from shareholders at the Company's AGM, Lonrho Africa Plc has changed its name to Lonrho Plc effective from 10 May 2007.
David Lenigas, Lonrho's Executive Chairman and Chief Executive, commented:
"The change back to the original Lonrho name is consistent with our
determination to build on the strong reputation and recognition that the Lonrho brand enjoys in Africa.
The Company has already demonstrated its ability to execute value adding deals in its targeted business sectors and we believe our potential deal flow will increase through the resonance of the Lonrho brand."

11 May 2007

Guscavalier - 12 May 2007 07:10 - 35 of 41

Lonrho Africa PLC
11 May 2007

Lonrho Plc

('Lonrho' or 'the Company')



Holding in Company



Lonrho was notified on 10 May 2007, that L-R Global Partners, L.P. and L-R
Global Fund Ltd have a combined interest in 12,876,000 ordinary shares of 1
pence each in the share capital of the Company, representing an increase to
approximately 5.74% per cent of the issued ordinary share capital of the
Company.



11 May 2007


Guscavalier comment - L-R are US based Global Hedge Fund and investment manager which came into being in 1997.

PapalPower - 12 May 2007 08:36 - 36 of 41

Definitely some stake building going on, and you cannot blame them as Lonrho offers an excellent way of getting in on the growth in Africa.

PapalPower - 14 May 2007 07:07 - 37 of 41

Lonrho Africa PLC 14 May 2007

LONRHO PLC
('Lonrho' or the 'Company')

SIGNS JOINT VENTURE WITH COUNTERMINE TO EXPLORE LANDMINE CLEARANCE OPPORTUNIITES IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA


Lonrho plc ('Lonrho') (AIM: LAF) and Countermine plc, ('Countermine') are
pleased to announce a Joint Venture agreement ('Joint Venture') to jointly
develop opportunities for landmine clearance in sub-Saharan Africa, allowing
previously unusable areas of land in the region to be rehabilitated for
productive purposes. Under the terms of the Joint Venture, Lonrho will offer
funding and its extensive African business network to build the African arm of
Countermine's landmine clearance business.

Countermine and Lonrho, using the ORACLE system, will provide mine clearing
services that are more effective yet less expensive than currently available
methods. Lonrho is committed to providing services and products that support the development of African infrastructure, helping to re-invigorate local
communities. Lonrho views the strategic partnership with Countermine as a
significant development in the implementation of its strategy.

ORACLE MINE CLEARENCE

Countermine produces the ORACLE mine clearance machine. At the forefront of
mine clearance technology ORACLE is the fastest and most cost effective system
available for landmine clearance. Only the ORACLE can move forward at an
efficient rate and cost, while tilling the land to a depth of at least 50cm
preparing it for agricultural use. The ORACLE technology is tried and tested,
having been contracted to the Croatian Government (CROMAC) since 2000,
performing beyond expectations in clearing active minefields.

The ORACLE mine-clearing system is the safest land mine clearance method
currently available and is approximately 100 times faster and more effective
than manual clearing techniques. The Spitfire tool within the machine hits the
mines at such a high speed that it destroys the mines before detonation. The
physical destruction from the mine clearance neutralizes mines and disperses the explosives into the soil meaning that the land is immediately ready for
agricultural or other development.

Antipersonnel mines pose a massive threat to safety in all corners of the globe, claiming new victims every day, with between 15,000 and 20,000 new casualties caused by landmines and unexploded ordnance every year.

Countermine and Lonrho will jointly evaluate potential opportunities. Based on
the successful model already used in Croatia, a local company will be
established in each country to oversee the management and operation of the
projects. The majority of the personnel will be recruited and trained locally in each country, supporting local job creation as well as utilising the intimate local knowledge of the areas that are targeted.

LANDMINES IN AFRICA

The presence of landmines has rendered huge expanses of land in sub-Saharan
Africa unusable. It is estimated that in Angola alone there are approximately
2,900 suspected landmine areas covering a total area of some 1,300 to 1,400
square kilometres. The presence of two or three landmines or even the suspicion
of their presence can result in a large patch of land being avoided and left
derelict. (Source: International Campaign to Ban Landmines: www.icbl.org and
Landmine Monitor Report 2006 www.icbl.org/lm/2006/ ).

David Lenigas, Chairman and CEO of Lonrho commented:

'We are very excited about the Joint Venture with Countermine and we see the
partnership adding value to Lonrho's growth strategy. By rehabilitating large
areas of valuable land we will make a significant difference to African
communities that have suffered terribly as a result of landmines. Countermine
brings with them a strong and experienced management team with all the required
skills and knowledge combined with the best technology available to make this
partnership work.'

Air Marshal Sir John Walker, Vice Chairman of Countermine commented:

'The very large areas around the world contaminated by landmines can only be
cleared in meaningful timescales by heavy mine clearance machinery. Manual
methods are too slow and result in heavy casualties amongst the de-miners. It
is satisfying that ORACLE can play its part in this worthwhile humanitarian
task.'

Lars Nylin, CEO of Countermine commented:

'We are delighted to enter into this partnership with Lonrho aimed at creating a safer environment in Africa. The Lonrho management team brings with them
considerable experience across a variety of industries and their experience and
local knowledge will be a key element in the success of our foray into
sub-Saharan Africa. We believe that this partnership will greatly strengthen the business in line with our strategy going forward.'

PapalPower - 14 May 2007 09:45 - 38 of 41

EU funding would not go amiss of course......


http://allafrica.com/stories/200704190230.html


Africa: AU And EU to Clear Continent of Landmines
BuaNews (Tshwane)

19 April 2007
Posted to the web 19 April 2007

Addis Ababa

The European Union Commission (EC) and the African Union Commission (AUC) are to co-operate to make Africa a landmine-free zone through de-mining and disarmament schemes.
This came at the opening here Wednesday of a three-day seminar entitled "Towards a Common Agenda for De-mining and Disarmament", organised jointly by the two commissions in connection with the 10th anniversary of the Mine-Ban Treaty.
In an address made on behalf of Commissioner Said Djinnit, AUC Director of Peace and Security Geofrey Mugumya said Africa is the continent worst affected by landmines.
According to him, the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) recognises the eradication of landmines as a necessary condition for sustainable growth and development.
This is since the problem of landmines is likened not only to matters of security but also to development.
Africa has highly developed and clearly articulated policies in the area of landmines and small arms, but, as in many other areas, the challenge is implementing these policies, he said.
The AU is in the process of developing terms of reference for the appointment of a special envoy for disarmament, to promote a comprehensive disarmament agenda in the continent.
The EC Head of Delegation, Ambassador Timothy Clarke, said the EC and member states had already developed a formidable set of policies and programme to support the African Union in this area.
He said the EC and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had already signed an eight million Euro contract agreement to clear a large area of land from mines in Ethiopia's Tigray and Afar States.
The EU-Ethiopian Mine Action programme has 400 000 people as target beneficiaries.
The seminar will strengthen co-operation between the two continents on security issues and to respond to the threats posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war.
Its objective is to create co-ordination among stakeholders in their efforts of poverty reduction, democratic governance, peace-building and human security.
Some 250 participants from African countries, the two commissions, embassies, and United Nations agencies, renowned personalities as well as representatives from regional, continental and international organisations are taking part in the seminar. - BuaNews-NNN

Guscavalier - 14 May 2007 10:18 - 39 of 41

Market taken a shine to Landmines deal with sp 34.25p. Will be plenty of demand for the Oracle system and the fact that EU getting involved with finance is all to the good. Must all be good PR for Lonhro and I should imagine they will benefit in some way from land value uplift in respect of land that is cleared. However, not clear on this aspect of things. However, all very interesting and am sure we will hear more on this in press and magazines.

PapalPower - 14 May 2007 10:23 - 40 of 41

Yep. Gives them some "stars" on the "ethical portfolio candidate" as well.

PapalPower - 17 May 2007 05:03 - 41 of 41

Gus, I have put a new thread up now, as the name is changed to Lonrho and the epic is changed from LAF to LONR


http://www.moneyam.com/InvestorsRoom/posts.php?tid=11555




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