Last Updated: Tuesday, 18 September 2007
China opens coffers for minerals http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7000925.stm
[Copper is just one of the many sought-after minerals]
China has signed a deal to loan the Democratic Republic of Congo $5bn to develop infrastructure and mining.
Infrastructure Minister Pierre Lumbi said the money will be spent on building roads, hospitals, health centres, housing and universities.
In exchange, China will get rights to DR Congo's extensive natural resources, including timber, cobalt and copper. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7000925.stm