Adastra Minerals

Adastra Minerals Inc (formerly America Mineral Fields Inc), was a London-based mining company with notable operations in central Africa (Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia), particularly in copper, cobalt and zinc exploration. Adastra's properties and concessions were acquired in 2006 by First Quantum Minerals for $245m in cash and stock, outpacing a counter-offer by Mwana Africa plc.

African Operations

While operating under the title American Mineral Fields the corporation influenced much of the activity leading to the First and Second Congo wars, namely giving enormous support to the Alliance for Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (ADFL), which was responsible for the slaughter of thousands of ethnic Hutus seeking refuge after they were displaced once the 1994 Rwandan Genocide ended with the advancement of the RAR. American Mineral Fields offered loaned $1 Million to the ADFL while also offering advancement payment of $20-30 million dollars to their leader Laurent-Desire Kabila. American Mineral Fields was then signed an $885 Million contract giving them exclusive rights to copper and zinc fields in the Congo.

Notable personnel

Jean-Raymond Boulle, founder; owned 10% stake at time of acquisition by First Quantum.
Former United States President George H.W. Bushwas until 2006 named a member of the international advisory board.