Author: HM Government

These 3 primer documents explain how South Africa’s strengths in minerals and metals can underpin growth if persistent logistics constraints are addressed. The bulk minerals and base metals primer summarises global demand patterns for manganese, chromium, iron ore, copper, nickel, cobalt. It explains how they are shaped by industrialisation and the energy transition, and sets […]

This 2-part primer introduces mining’s role in powering global industries and sets the South African context. Mining contributes around 7% of gross domestic product and supports more than 450,000 jobs, underpinned by large platinum group metal reserves and strong positions in gold, manganese, coal and vanadium.  The first report summarise the full value chain from […]

Thank you, Mr Chair. And thank you Chairs also for convening this meeting so promptly. The United Kingdom condemns the latest wave of Russian aerial attacks against Ukraine, carried out overnight on 23-24 May. Russia used around 600 drones and 90 missiles to strike Kyiv and multiple regions across Ukraine. This was the largest attack […]

We are facing a deeply complex set of conflicts, including protracted crises in the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine. On this, I feel compelled to mention Russia’s egregious attacks on Ukraine over the weekend, which only brings us further from the peace that the international community repeatedly calls for. These challenges require a coordinated global […]

UK ramps up pressure on Putin’s war machine with tough new sanctions, targeting crypto networks used to bypass Britain’s sanctions.  New sanctions also hit the Kremlin-backed A7 network, which actively exploits Kyrgyzstan’s financial systems to channel funds into Russia’s war economy.   The UK is leading the international effort and adapting its sanctions to stay ahead of Russian evasion, shutting down the payment routes fuelling its war machine against […]

If the person who died had insurance, contact their insurance company as soon as possible. Read the general guidance on what to do when someone dies abroad if you’re not sure if they had insurance. The insurance company should appoint a funeral director in Pakistan and the UK. They may also cover the cost of […]

The British High Commission in Bangladesh can offer help but will not be able to get you out of prison or get you special treatment because you’re British. Find out what help the embassy or consulate can offer. Family and friends can contact: the British High Commission in Bangladesh the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office […]

If the person who died had insurance, contact their insurance company as soon as possible. Read the general guidance on what to do when someone dies abroad if you’re not sure if they had insurance. The insurance company should appoint a funeral director in Slovakia and the UK. They may also cover the cost of […]

The ICG reiterates its concerns over the continued conflict in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the impediment that the conflict poses to regional stability and prosperity. The ICG also restates its support for the ongoing international peace efforts facilitated by Qatar, the US, African Union-appointed mediator Faure Gnassingbé, […]

We have seen the reports cited by the Russian Federation regarding an alleged drone hit in Starobilsk, Ukrainian territory currently under temporary Russian occupation. At this stage, as we have heard from the briefers, the incident has not been objectively or independently verified.  And as Russia refuses to allow any independent verification, we may sadly never get […]