Natural Resource Today Podcast - podcast cover

Natural Resource Today Podcast

Rendy Mulaudzi•podcasters.spotify.com
Science
Impactful research you should know today.
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Episodes

Episode 21: East Africa's major crude oil pipeline project.

Nearly 15 years ago, there was a major oil reserve discovery in Uganda. In September 2020, Uganda and Tanzania finally signed an agreement for a construction of crude oil pipeline from Uganda to the port of Tanga in Tanzania. This $3.5 billion dollar project is led by Total. Environmentalists and a number of local communities have been opposing the project for several years.

Nov 20, 2020•4 min•Ep. 21

Episode 20: South Africa's Vhembe Biosphere Reserve.

According to UNESCO, biosphere reserves provide local solutions to global challenges. Biosphere reserves include terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. There are 701 biosphere reserves in 124 countries across the globe. Africa is home to 86 biosphere reserves which are found in 31 countries. There are 10 biosphere reserves in South Africa. Vhembe Biosphere Reserve (VBR) is found in the Vhembe District of Limpopo province.

Nov 13, 2020•4 min

Episode 18: White gold (salt) mining in the northern part of Ethiopia.

The Danakil Depression is regarded as one of the main sources of salt in Ethiopia. It is an active geological depression due to the pulling apart of three tectonic plates. This area is one the hottest and driest places on earth. There is evidence that the Afar people have been mining salt for more than 2 000 years.

Oct 30, 2020•4 min•Ep. 18

Episode 17: The forgotten precious gemstone of Madagascar.

Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. More than 80% of plants and animals are endemic. With a population of under 30 million, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Major sapphire deposits were discovered in 1998. The place of discovery is Ilakaka in the south western part of the country. In 2005 or 2006, Madagascar became the largest producer of sapphire.

Oct 23, 2020•4 min•Ep. 17

Episode 16: Poor country which is home to the world's largest bauxite reserves.

The Republic of Guinea is home to the largest reserves of bauxite in the world. The touching story is that it remains one of the poorest countries. The bauxite industry was less developed between the 1970's and 2016. The country started to witness a booming bauxite industry over the last three years. However, bauxite mining is dominated by foreign companies.

Oct 16, 2020•4 min•Ep. 15

Episode 15: Who is controlling platinum resource in South Africa?

South Africa is the largest producer of platinum in the world. It is home to more than 80% of the global reserves. Three main players in the production of platinum resource are Anglo American Platinum, Lonmin (acquired by Sibanye-Stillwater in June 2019) and Impala Platinum.

Oct 09, 2020•3 min•Ep. 15

Episode 14: The unbreakable marriage between South Africa and coal

South Africa is the largest producer of coal in Africa and 7th in the world. Over the last two years, the country produced between 250 to 260 million tonnes per year. Although there has been a drop in investment for the past decade, coal is the third-largest mining sector in the country. It employs nearly 93 000 people. Energy generation is dominated by coal. Nearly 80% of electricity generation is from coal. The marriage between South Africa and coal will remain strong for the next 30 years. Th...

Oct 02, 2020•3 min•Ep. 14

Episode 12: Complexity of the conflict in Libya

Oil-rich Libya has been experiencing political instability since the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Two rival governments are battling for the control of the country. These are the UN-backed government, Government of National Accord (GNA), and the Libyan National Army (LNA). Foreign countries are intervening in order to get a share of oil and gas resources wealth.

Sep 18, 2020•4 min•Ep. 12

Episode 11: Lake Chad is drying up

Several accounts have reported that Lake Chad has shrunk by about 90% since the early 1960s. They are claiming that the following are among the main drivers: climate change, unsustainable irrigation practices and the increasing human demand for freshwater.

Sep 11, 2020•3 min•Ep. 11

Episode 10: What we know about African lion population decline

We have less than 40 000 lions in the wild across Africa. Significant population decline has been recorded since the late 1990s. The following are listed among the main drivers of population decline: habitat loss, prey loss, and poaching.

Sep 04, 2020•3 min

Episode 9: Wildlife ranching

Wildlife ranching is the management of wildlife on private land. Is it an effective biodiversity conservation tool?

Aug 28, 2020•5 min•Ep. 9

Episode 7: Most trafficked mammal in the world

Pangolin is the most trafficked mammal in the world. There are 8 species (4 live in Africa and 4 are found in Asia). Pangolin scales are used for medicinal purpose in many parts of China and Vietnam. The mammal plays an important role in balancing the ecosystem.

Aug 14, 2020•3 min•Ep. 7
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