He was 54. Others may be eyeing the huge concession.
Mozambican law stipulates time periods for investors to show results, or concessions can be revoked.
Little has materialised. The concession, awarded in 1996, was controversial. Through the right-wing Heritage Foundation, Blanchard had financially supported the Renamo rebels in Mozambique's civil war that ended in 1992. It is believed in political circles that President Joachim Chissano negotiated the deal in exchange for Blanchard stopping support for Renamo. His first manager, John Perrot, who was later fired, spoke of importing lions, elephants and San people for the viewing pleasure of tourists.