2006/2007 Editorial Note
The Energy Industry is a highly volatile and dynamic industry that has witnessed various changes, especially recent price increases in the oil sector. The Director of the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Energy Technology and R&D Office has stated only recently, that "Today's energy challenges are now truly critical..".
As one of the foremost institutions for petroleum, mining and energy research, the Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP) in addressing these issues, and keeping with the ever-evolving nature of the industry, tasks its students to challenge conventional thinking in dealing with issues that confront us in today's global energy. The result is well thought out quality papers from students of diverse nationality, on the most topical issues in the industry.
Considering that the Centre prides itself as a "centre of excellence", it is understandable that selecting the very best papers for publication in CAR will be a daunting chore. The 2006-2007 publication is no exception. Picking out the best research articles has therefore been a difficult task, as almost all the articles submitted this year were of excellent calibre, as has been the case with preceding publications. It would appear that the quality of research work submitted, has improved in quality with each passing year. I should point out that most of the topics addressed in this year's CAR publications increasingly reflect current issues affecting the oil & gas and energy industries. With oil prices at a record all-time high, it is little wonder that alternative sources of energy are increasingly becoming more of a reality. This reality is reflected in the number of research articles published, which address topics on Nuclear Energy and renewables, as unavoidable alternative sources of energy.
The minerals industry has not been ignored either. An explosive growth of the industry has raised questions on the issues of sustainability of the industry and current high prices therein. Some of the articles are focused on mining and the minerals industry, and review local mining legislation and the foreign investment, especially in the less developed countries.
It is the aim of CAR to provide a broad focal reference point for present and future students, and other interested persons who may refer to the site. The articles published this year cover a diverse range of topics varying from Mining/Energy Finance and Investment, and Taxation and Sustainability of the Environment, to Commercial Contracts, International Business Transactions and Dispute Resolution. Papers on renewable sources of energy such as Water are not left out and issues on the resource are addressed directly or otherwise.
There are 40 articles which are sub-divided and grouped under 19 headings mainly based on subject matter rather than module name for ease of reference.
The editorial process for this year's publication was fraught with many challenges, brought about by a number of circumstances; for instance, two of our members were unable to continue in their editorial roles, due to other work commitments.
Despite this set-back the board was not deterred from forging on, and although this year’s board membership has comprised the least number of original members (2) in the history of CAR, the board showed relentless commitment and dedication in bringing the 11th edition of the Annual Review to reality.
The publication will not be complete without due thanks and appreciation shown to the rest of the Board, including original board member, Ozim Obasi and volunteer/replacement board members, Julius Nayak and Saleh Saleh, who volunteered their valuable time and energy. It has been a pleasure working with such a fantastic team of people who have been a wonderful support to the project.
The Board would like to thank the Centre's Director Professor Philip Andrews-Speed, who offered the team the privilege and chance to fulfill this worthy task.
I especially wish to thank the Academic Assistants and Administrative staff of CEPMLP, namely Kathleen Short, Audrey McLaughlin and Dorothy O'Neill, for each lending their assistance in the most and least possible ways. Pat Perrie of the Information Centre, you are not forgotten for the countless times you assisted me each time I came around.
The gratitude of the Board also goes to Angela Dunsire, without whom the Board would not have had access to the CAR forum in the first instance, and would not have been able to really complete the project.
Special thanks are reserved for the Coordinator, Dr. Arthur Warden, and Mrs. Janeth Warden-Fernandez, for their invaluable wisdom and guidance throughout the editorial assignment. I believe I speak for myself and the rest of the Board when I say without your tireless support and generosity, this year's project may not have culminated on a successful note and overcome all obstacles - thank you so very much for keeping faith in us to the very end.
This is a big Thank You to all the participants for responding to the call to hand in your research articles - your efforts are highly appreciated, regardless of whether your papers were published or not.
The Board of the 11th Edition, CAR trusts that student users will find this edition a useful and informative tool in the course of their academic pursuit.
Modupeola O. Ogutuga
Editor-in-Chief (2006/2007)
CEPMLP Annual Review (CAR)
