IGIHE

Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

  • Sudan Peace restoration in the sight of Sudanese Human Rights Activist, Ibrahim Yousuf ISHAG

    Sudan gained independence on 1st January 1956, since then the country has experienced alternating forms of democratic and authoritarian government. Sudan’s period of conflict (1955-1972 and 1983-2005) stands as one of the longest in Africa’s post-independence history.

    Continued conflict between the Khartoum-based Government and opposition forces in Sudan’s regions have oftentimes resulted in grave socio-political divides across the country, exacerbated by the struggle over natural resources.”

    {{Interview of the lawyer of Sudan, Ibrahim Yousuf ISHAG }}

    {{1. How is the current situation in Sudan after the outbreak of COVID19?}}

    Sudan is also affected by covid-19 as it’s the same with most countries globally.

    Fortunately, the effect was weak compared with other countries. And that guided the government to declare the medical emergency state in the country for almost six months from February to June.

    The total of dead persons was not big. The current situation is stable and people are practicing their activities normally.

    {{2. Has there been any change in your work (or as a lawyer) since the situation of COVID19 Pandemics?}}

    Yes, there was a big change. All courts are shut down, besides all law enforcement agencies, were also closed.

    {{3. What is a way to keep continue peace activities in this global pandemic situation?}}

    I think a suitable way to continue carrying peace activities is peace education like online training and video conferences.

    {{4. We know that Sudan consists of many tribes with various religions. Because of that, there are many conflicts until now. To resolve these internal conflicts and bring peace in Sudan, what are the fundamental works that the governments and religious leaders should do?}}

    Unfortunately the past terrorist Government was the main reason for all conflicts in Darfur. But now the transitional government shows much care to put an end to conflicts in the country by inviting all rebels to round table negotiations to achieve peace. Actually, it succeeded and signed a peace agreement with two rebel groups on third October 2020.

    I was targeted twice because of my activities as a human rights activist and as I am a member of the fur tribe. Also, I was jailed many times for the same reasons.

    {{5. Would you tell us the most memorable cases in your career (meaning working as a lawyer)?}}

    Yes, it was the Singita case which took place in 2004 where the Janjaweed (Arab armed militias who used to terrorize Darfur) burned Singita village and killed many people, looted all the properties in this case about 28 of the accused were found guilty and were sentenced to death.

    {{6. I heard that you were detained by the government for trying to inform the UN of the government’s persecution of your tribe. What are the differences between the current government’s policies comparing with the past?}}

    Surely the current government is better than the past one. Because It’s the government of Sudan revolution, which beliefs in equality, and justice, and it also respects human rights. Transitional government’s programs are headed by peace as the top priority.

    {{7. I heard you’re working in human rights groups. What is the biggest human rights issue recently in Sudan? }}

    The current hot human rights issue is the ongoing conflicts in Darfur, especially in Jebel Marra. All through the past week, there was heavy fighting which resulted in wide displacement, killing, mass rape.

    {{8. What do you think about the current state of peace in Sudan, compared to before and after the transitional government?}}

    The state of peace in Sudan is not stable It’s fragile. Also, there is a new peace agreement signed on 3 October 2020 but it seems that it will not bring comprehensive peace there are still other rebels groups fighting against the government.

    {{9. When did you feel the need for peace in your real life?}}

    In 2003 when the war broke out in Darfur. Peace is my aim so I decided to do for that goal and support any activities concerning peace.

    {{10. What plans do you have in the future as a lawyer and a peace activist?}}

    As a lawyer, I’ve been providing legal ids for vulnerable groups such as women and children for a long time, so I’ll continue to do those activities. Of course, I will do my work to raise awareness among communities, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    As a peace activist, I will work with Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace organization based in South Korea that I have collaborated with for years, and other organizations to achieve peace. Also, I will support the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), the law for peace, and hope to be brought to the UN and activated. That is the moment we are waiting for and will let the Sudanese enjoy life.

    Again I must say thank to HWPL which invited me to this interview.

    This Interview provided from HWPL, an international peace organization

    Continued conflict between the Khartoum-based Government and opposition forces in Sudan’s regions have oftentimes resulted in grave socio-political divides across the country.

  • Cost of corruption much higher than taking it headon-Kagame

    “Combatting corruption may have a political cost, but the price of not uprooting it is much higher, in particular for the most vulnerable members of our societies,” he said.

    Kagame delivered the message today as he virtually attended the 5th Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Awards.

    This year’s awards have been given out in Tunisia while previous ceremony took place in Rwanda last year at Kigali Convention Center.

    The International Anti-Corruption Excellence Awards are given to people who have been exemplary in leading the fight against corruption. The International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award is organized by Qatar in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

    President Kagame commended the Emir of Qatar and the valuable partnership with the United Nations that makes the awards possible and congratulated awardees for unique and determined efforts to expose and eliminate corruption.

    “The fight against corruption is a global objective that requires all of us to work together, to improve our societies. Transparency and accountability allow us to use our national resources effectively for the wellbeing of our citizens,” he said.

    The award giving ceremony coincided with the International Anti-Corruption Day.

  • COVID-19: Death toll rises to 53

    The statement released last night shows that the deceased are parents respectively aged 60 and 56.

    Among others, 41 people have been infected out of 3654 sample tests while no recovery case recorded.

    Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus patient on 14th March 2020.

    So far , 6278 cases have been found out of 654,322 sample tests of whom 5715 have recovered , 510 are active cases while the death toll stands is 53.

    Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

    Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.

  • Creative artistry blooms as ‘A Traveler’s Story’ contest kicks off

    IGIHE’s StoryKast in partnership with Kigali Marriott Hotel, RwandAir, and other partners, this festive season have prepared a contest none like any other, to bound the adventurous spirits in Rwandans through creative write-ups that require giving an insight into past local travels to earn more traveling opportunities.

    Uli Franzmann, General Manager at Kigali Marriott hotel says that the contest represents inspiration, creativity, and what travel means from different perspectives – a message the hotel is proud to be part of.

    “This year’s focus in tourism has been to encourage domestic tourism through exploring Rwanda’s touristic destinations. We thought to keep that momentum, even during the festive season, we should inspire a continuous travel culture through encouraging everyone to share their favorite travel destinations or moments experienced right here in Rwanda in ways that spike other people’s sense of wonder this festive season. At Kigali Marriott alone we have so much to offer this festive season including a spectacular beginning of year with fireworks, which we hope everyone can experience with us this New Year’s Eve ,” says Franzmann.

    “A Traveler’s Story” contest brings together vloggers, bloggers, artists, students, and travel enthusiasts to share their travel experiences in form of videos, digital art pieces, and articles. The contest embarks on a journey of discovering and stimulating creative juices in all local artists, while also luring others to explore Rwanda.

    StoryKast’s Creative Director, Olga Ines Ishimwe stresses the importance of creative artistry in empowering each other – which spurred the initiative of a contest that could offer a platformand encourage a travel culture in Rwanda.

    “Over the years we’ve encountered so many incredibly talented creative people, all of whom echo the idea that we are stronger together. By providing a platform, we are forming a network, where we can showcase our skills, learn from each other, hiring each other, and broadening each other’s network. It’s about supporting our ‘world’ made by people, places, and individual stories,” she says.

    Among the prizes, comes a stay at the Kigali Marriott Hotel, brunch, and spa experiences. Rides around Kigali city in the 60-seat double decker bus, return ticket to Kamembe by RwandAir with a stay at Emeraude Kivu resort, and more.

    Members of the public are nvited to participate and showcase best creative self to the world not later than the 22nd December.

    Apply today on www.storykast.rw/atravelersstory or if you need more information contact us on contact@storykast.rw

    And remember, it’s your perspective of travel that matters. So share it well.

    'A Traveler's Story' contest stimulates creative juices in all local artists, while also luring others to explore Rwanda.

  • Sijibomi Ogundele (Sujimoto): The amazing story of the Agege Boy that built a $400m company

    No one would have thought that this man, who is currently worth billions, was once a souvenir hawker in France and also did alabaru for his trader mum in Africa’s most populous market, Oke-Arin, where he was nurtured by enterprising Igbo traders, which ignited his passion for business.

    Growing up in the slum of Agege as a little 8-year-old, Sijibomi’s first introduction to entrepreneurship was when he started a bike business popularly called okada business from his little savings.

    Despite the usual African parent’s disapproval, he drew inspiration from his mother’s entrepreneurial spirit and grew his motorcycle riding business from one to 6, a testament to his strong, resolute and resilient business mind.

    A rose that grew from concrete, Mr Ogundele, who is only 39, has built his company, Sujimoto Group, in just 5 years, into a Luxury Construction behemoth, focused on building extraordinary edifices in premium neighbourhoods of Ikoyi and Banana Island.

    With annual revenue of approximately $30 million and many other pending projects, Mr Ogundele believes the Sujimoto group is worth over $400 million.

    His look may be modest but his ambition belies his modesty. After an encounter with the King of Dubai, who pushed his ambitious project, LorenzoBySujimoto, from 15 storey building to a 30-storey building, reminding him that, “To be second is to be last! If people in their 30’s are building 5000 units annually in Asia, 75 units shouldn’t scare you.”

    According to Mr Ogundele, “I believe in Nigeria. My passion comes from my patriotism. I believe that the Nigeria that produced the MKOs, the Dantatas, and the Ojukwus, also has something great in store for me.”

    The lawyer tuned entrepreneur, who is son to a John Holt Manager and a trader mother, never had the opportunity to attend King’s College or other expensive private schools but attended public schools.

    With a dream to revolutionize the Nigerian luxury real estate space and an ambition taller than the Burj Khalifa, one can only wonder how he has steered his company to survive the brutal economic recessions within the last 5 years, growing stronger, bigger and better, to the consternation of the pessimists.

    Sujimoto’s Giuliano project which is 100 per cent covered in travertine stone, fully automated, first project with each unit having its private elevator and an award-winning Zaha Hadid Bathroom for Porscelanosa, set the standard for a luxury terrace in Banana Island, attracting clients like MD of multinationals, billionaires and music entrepreneur, Davido.

    A stone throws from the Giuliano; Sujimoto is building what has been dubbed the tallest residential building in Banana Island, the LucreziaBySujimoto.

    A revolutionary building, never before seen in Nigeria or Africa! The first building with Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) façade, Full Home Automation, private IMAX Cinema for the residents, standard crèche, Indoor Virtual Golf with over 2,500 courses worldwide to play on, swimming pool in the sky and other exciting features. Sitting on the 12th floor is the best penthouse in Africa; a project that sets an enviable standard for luxury residential apartments in Nigeria with a sales value worth $46 and a delivery deadline of December 2021.

    Speaking on the Lucrezia, Mr Ogundele made a startling revelation; “We are building the best condominium not only in Nigeria but also in Africa. The Lucrezia Penthouse comes with a private elevator, private cinema, private golf, private gym, and a private pool!

    “The Lucrezia is very special to us because Sujimoto is divesting from residential projects with 80 per cent of our real estate interest into commercial projects.”

    When asked about the company’s plan to accommodate smaller units, Mr Ogundele was very quick to add that the company has a new project that is almost sold out!

    According to him, “Many people have approached us about building smaller and more affordable units with the Sujimoto standard and we have responded with a revolutionary project called the LeonardoBySujimoto.

    “With LeonardoBySujimoto, you can own a Sujimoto apartment without breaking the bank. We have studied the best apartments and what we are creating, beats the best.

    “The affordable luxury project – Leonardo, comes in 2, 3, and 4 bedroom units and it is a great investment offer as the 3 bedrooms which are currently selling for N250 million will go for N450 million once the project is launched later in the year.”

    According to Mr Ogundele, the present pricing still beats the best apartments in Bourdillon and Eko Atlantic. He also noted that the current price offer will expire by the end of the month.

    He said “the same passion with which we redefined luxury living in Nigeria, is the same passion we are bringing into the Nigerian hospitality and commercial space.

    “We have toured some of the best hotels in the world such as the Address Hotel, Downtown Dubai, the Baccarat Hotel in New York City, and the Dorchester Hotel in London.

    “Sujimoto is building the S-Hotel, African hospitality with a four season services. We are building a hotel that is customer addictive, where putting the customer first becomes our priority, from janitor to general managers.”

    “Three fundamental qualities separate the S Hotel from others: Design, Price, and Service. The plan is to get rid of mediocre experience in the hospitality industry, building one luxury hotel at a time.

    “The focus, therefore, is to build one luxury hotel in the state capital city of every African country, starting from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

    “The plan is before 2030, we would have built over 100 luxury hotels with 16,000 rooms, worth $1.9 billion in the portfolio, a move which will bring the company’s overall worth to over $5 billion in 10 years,” he added.

    In addition to the company’s expansion plan, Mr Ogundele made it known that Sujimoto is building a world-class plaza, first of its kind, in Ikoyi and Abuja, with a 2021 and 2022 projection for completion.

    This 6-in-1 plaza by Sujimoto is a contemporary one-stop-shop retail and hospitality centre, featuring innovative state-of-the-art equipment, rooftop lounge, and bar, premium restaurants, world-class gym, retail shops other premium features.

    Upon completion, each project should be valued at approximately N47 Billion, with a combined rental income of about N11 billion annually.

    According to Mr Ogundele, “By 2030, we hope to have completed 61 different malls and plazas in Nigeria and across major African cities, a portfolio worth about $3 billion.”

    Despite the huge effect of the COVID-19 on businesses and economies, where banks have put a halt to every construction project, Sujimoto just raised N3.5 billion for the Lucrezia which is sold out with just 2 units left!

    According to Mr. Ogundele Sujimoto, “At Sujimoto, we do not see a recession because for us crises are opportunities disguised as problems!

    “We have developed a highly viable and profitable strategy and found an opportunity for savvy investors to invest N5 billion into Sujimoto and get N10 billion back in 3 years.

    “This is debt and not equity, and it is guaranteed. Treasury bills and other money market instruments will give you a 5 – 10 per cent ROI on your investment, but this is 100 per cent ROI and it is guaranteed!

    “This investment is NOT for everyone, it is ONLY for the vital few, who can identify opportunities when they see one.

    One of the reasons why Sujimoto can stand out and guarantee good price and quality is the strength of the company’s procurement capacity and global reach,” Mr Ogundele explained.

    He stressed that “We don’t use third parties when it comes to projects; we speak directly to the manufacturers because we want to guarantee two fundamental things – prudent spending and assurance of quality. With offices in Dubai, Gwanzo, and New York City and numerous ambitious projects, one wonders what Sujimoto Group will be worth in 10 years to come.

    According to Mr. Ogundele; “Our biggest motivation is our critics because, without them, we couldn’t have come this far. There’s nothing we have today, that we got on a platter of gold. We worked two times harder, 3 times more, just to prove that without a rich aunty or uncle, you can get to your destiny”.

    Speaking on some of the challenges he has had to contend with in business, Mr. Ogundele recalled the event of 2016 and 2017 where he had conceived and developed the biggest project in Nigeria, over $90 million to build the tallest residential building in Sub-Saharan Africa – the LorenzoBySujimoto.

    “After all the investment in time, money, and passion, the recession hit badly, and investors pulled out. The economy was so bad that I had to refund hundreds of millions to our off-takers. Amid the chaos, like the phoenix that rises from the ashes, the Giuliano project was born!

    “A project of terrace houses in Africa’s richest neighbourhood – Banana Island. And 20 months after, the record-breaking Giuliano has metamorphosed from a proof-of-concept to a proof-of-product! fully sold-out six months before completion.”

    Many have opined that the young and dynamic Motomatician might be eyeing a political position, but according to Mr. Ogundele, “the business of politics is bigger than the politics of business. We are focused on business but we shall support the government. To us, the government is like a beautiful woman, marry her only when she is an asset, not a liability.”

    When asked if he was married, the single and eligible bachelor, who insisted he was married without a wife, claimed that his wife is young and very jealous, she’s Sujimoto.

    Source:Business Post

  • Beer companies no show for 2020 expo

    The trade fair that delayed due to Covid-19 pandemic has been set to new dates from 11th until 31st December 2020.

    During a press briefing held today announcing preparations of the upcoming expo bringing together relevant institutions including the Ministry of Trade and Industry as well as Rwanda National Police, it was revealed that the expo will be characterized by reforms aimed at strengthening measures to control the pandemic.

    To this end, the Chairperson of PSF, Stephen Ruzibiza said that Bralirwa and Skol are among companies that won’t participate.

    “Skol and Bralirwa will not participate in this year’s expo but restaurants that will be operating at the show ground can serve drinks from the respective companies to clients. Bralirwa and Skol won’t come to the Expo,” he emphasized.

    PSF explained that concerned beverage companies took part in consultative discussions in which they were informed on directives only allowing them to supply drinks to restaurants in the expo.

    Police spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that the Expo should not be an opportunity for increased beer consumption noting that even bars are closed due to Covid-19.

    All expo goers will be required to pay by digital means as part of ongoing measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.

    Among others, children below 12 are not allowed to attend while physical entertainment activities are prohibited.

    The expo will start from 9am to be closed 8pm every day for people to respect curfew hours.

    As of today, PSF has confirmed the participation of 372 companies including 72 foreign companies from 12 countries.

    Preparations for the upcoming International Expo are underway.

  • Rwanda builds music recording studio with international standards

    Jacques Muligande (Mighty Popo), the director of the school has told IGIHE that the studio will be equipped with facilities that meet international standards to support various artistes starting with the school’s students.

    “The recording studio will be used by all artistes from Rwanda and beyond. Of course, our students will also access the studio during related studies,” he said.

    Muligande explained that the studio will be part of the school’s income generating projects leading to self-financing.

    The studio will hire different Producers that will include, among others, ongoing students or the school’s alumni, producers from Rwanda and abroad.

    Muligande revealed, the studio will be operational effective from February 2021.

    As he visited the school yesterday, American artiste and music producer, Teddy Riley was also taken to site of the studio under construction.

    Upon completion, Riley observed that the studio will meet the same standards of his recording studio in the United States of America.

    Excited over the project, he expressed willingness to return to Rwanda for partnership with students from Nyundo School of Music in various projects.

    Riley worked with different super-start artistes including Michael Jackson, Jay Z, among others.

    Muliganda talking to Teddy inside the studio under construction at Nyundo School of Music.

  • Nyarugenge restaurants closed for disregarding COVID-19 directives

    This was during the ongoing inspection by local authorities in City of Kigali and Police to assess how various services are delivered in compliance with the directives.

    The closed restaurants and bars are among the eight hospitality establishments operating in Amashyirahamwe building, which were penalized for undermining the health and safety directives against the pandemic.

    Those closed and fined hospitality establishments are Resto Bar Chez Jeanine, where many people were found drinking and watching football; Bar-Resto Chez Justin; Bar-Restaurant Chez Nyirahabimana Felecitha; and Bar chez Thamari Nyirabaruta.

    “What is unfortunate is that the owners of the affected restaurants and bars were first warned, but when the inspection team came back later, they found nothing had changed; bars were open and many people gathered inside drinking,” said Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for City of Kigali.

    This was the second time that Bar-Restaurant Chez Nyirahabimana Felecitha has been closed and owner penalized for disregarding the guidelines.

    Each of the closed bars and restaurants was also fined Rwf150, 000 as stipulated in the City of Kigali directives.

    CIP Twajamahoro warned that the inspection is continuous and anyone caught disregarding the COVID-19 prevention directives will be penalized accordingly.

  • UK asked to bring to book genocide fugitives before CHOGM Kigali

    The parliamentarian made the appeal on Monday 7th December 2020 as the parliament reviewed the amendment UK Trading Law.

    He was insisting on the request of his colleague, Andrew Mitchell.

    Polak affirmed that his country kept a deaf ear to Rwanda’s request to bring to book suspects of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi roaming in the UK.

    He explained that his country relented on willingness to do so, which is contrary to other countries that have deported fugitives to Rwanda or tried them.

    “Five suspects for role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi live freely in the UK and receive full benefits. Yet the United States of America, Canada, France, Belgium, Sweden and other countries have extradited suspects to face justice in the Rwanda justice system where the death penalty was abolished over 10 years ago,” said Polak.

    He said that it is shocking that UK failed to do the same, thus calling the UK for urgent action before the next CHOGM to take place in Rwanda.

    “I call upon the Government to weigh in this matter before the next CHOGM that will be held in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda next year,” said Polak.

    The five genocide fugitives living in the UK are; Célestin Mutabaruka, Vincent Bajinya nicknamed Vincent Brown, Célestin Ugirashebuja, Charles Munyaneza and Emmanuel Nteziryayo.

    As he commented to the arrest of Paul Rusesabagina, Andrew Mitchell criticized The Guardian (a British daily newspaper) which reported that Rwanda seeks to intimidate Rusesabagina but rather asked to draw emphasis on how genocide fugitives can be brought to book.

    “Before leaving this topic, your newspaper should support the arrest of five Rwandans accused of role in Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda still roaming freely in UK living on benefits of British nationals for over ten years,” he said.

    Mitchell explained that British legal system didn’t draw attention on the case despite Rwanda’s efforts to bring to book these fugitives which remained futile.

    In 2018, Rwanda’s ambassador in the UK, Jo Lomas said that the investigation department in his country had started preliminary investigations to the suspects.

    He made the revelation after holding talks with Rwanda’s Justice Minister, Busingye Johnston. At the time, Lomas revealed that his Government is closely following the case waiting for the Prosecution’s decision.

    At the time, Minister Busingye said that no progress had been made despite Rwanda’s request to deport these suspects.

    He revealed that the most important thing is to bring the fugitives to face justice where they can be convicted or acquitted.

  • Lithium, Uranium minerals confirmed in Rwanda, research underway to start extraction

    Speaking to IGIHE, the CEO of Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) Francis Gatare confirmed the presence and revealed that further processes will be determined by ongoing research.

    “Lithium has been found in different parts. We continue to carry out research to identify areas with enough minerals to start extraction in a productive way,” he said.

    “It has been traced in several places that extraction can start. The presence is confirmed in Muhanga district, Ngororero in the areas of Gatumba as well as Rwamagana and Bugesera districts in Eastern Province. The remaining step is to determine the types, quantity and quality,” added Gatare.

    He explained that Lithium minerals have a great value considering international market demand.

    “Lithium minerals have a high value at the international market nowadays, considering countries’ visions and growing need for the use of batteries in cars or electricity generation,” noted Gatare.

    “The extraction and processing should be assessed rigorously to avoid loss of value yet the world strongly needs it,” added Gatare.

    As he said, the country is looking for partner investors to start productive and beneficial extraction as expected.

    “It needs investment but there are concerned institutions. Research comes first, and then follows extraction knowing better where it will be processed. We are looking for partner investors with such knowledge and capacity so that a processing plant will be available by the time we get extraction licensing,” revealed Gatare.

    He advised the public that not to engage in extraction of such minerals until licensing, and measures guiding Lithium extraction processes are implemented.

    Apart from Lithium, research is underway to establish the presence of ‘Uranium’ especially used in the production of nuclear energy.

    Rwanda recently entered agreements with Russia on cooperation in the construction of the Centre of Nuclear Science and Technology on the territory of Rwanda as well as the establishment of nuclear power plant in Rwanda.

    The agreements indicate that nuclear energy will be mainly used for peaceful in different areas including nuclear medicine, research reactor laboratory complex, and multipurpose radiation especially in agriculture, education, radiobiology, and material science.

    Gatare said that there is still a long way to go Rwanda for Rwanda to extract ‘Uranium’ which might be found in existing minerals licensed for extraction.

    “Minerals found in Rwanda like Cassiterite, Colta and Wolframite mostly propagate Uranium and thorium radiations. It is a reality that Uranium and thorium minerals are present. However, there has been no research to identify sites with enough volumes,” he said.

    Rwanda expects to earn Rwf 500 billion from trading of minerals.

    Lithium is an element valuable for the production of glass, aluminum products, and batteries.

    In total, about 65 percent of lithium produced goes toward battery production, but other industries also consume the metal. For example, 18 percent of lithium is used in ceramics and glass, while 5 percent goes to lubricating greases.

    According to the US Geological Survey, lithium consumption for batteries has increased significantly in recent years due to the use of rechargeable lithium batteries in the growing market for portable electronic devices, as well as in electric tools, electric vehicles and grid storage applications.

    Lithium batteries are proving to be an effective and affordable alternative to traditional batteries, and also in new battery applications. More than 50% of lithium mined is used in batteries.

    This use has recently increased rapidly spurring an increase in lithium mining to provide the lithium for batteries.

    The mineral is mixed with other light metals such as aluminum and magnesium to form strong, light-weight alloys (an alloy is a mixture of metals).

    Some lithium, in the form of lithium carbonate or lithium citrate, is used as medicine to treat gout (an inflammation of joints) and to treat serious mental illness.

    Australia, Chile, China, Argentine, Zimbabwe and Portugal are ranked top Lithium producers.

    Lithium is valuable for the production of glass, aluminum products, and batteries.