The scale of Australian resource interests in Africa has continued to expand, despite challenging global economic conditions, with strong support from the Australian Government. 

Australian minerals and resource companies have current and potential investments in Africa worth more than US$40 billion. Over 200 Australian companies with more than 700 projects in mining exploration, extraction and processing are working in Africa.

“Australian companies are making a real contribution to the economic development of West African countries and indeed throughout Africa,” said Australia’s High Commissioner to Ghana, HE Ms Joanna Adamson, who is also accredited to Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

“Australian companies bring advanced technology, high standards of safety and environmental management, and above all they are committed to working in partnership with local communities, which includes up-skilling local workforces,” said Ms Adamson.

Australia’s presence at the 2014 Mining Indaba conference will be bigger than ever, including 63 Australian companies and a large Australian Government delegation. 

The Premier of Western Australia, the Hon Colin Barnett MEc MLA, will be attending and giving a keynote address on Wednesday 5 February.

Mr Bruce Gosper, CEO, Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), will also be participating together with a large team of senior officials from Austrade, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC).

“This year, Australia will be hosting a number of sustainable mining events and supporting companies through two Australian Government locations: the large commercial Australia Lounge and an official Ministers’ Lounge”, said Ms Adamson.

“The Ministers’ Lounge provides a great space for Australian companies to discuss investment projects with local Ministers responsible for mining and resources.  The Australia Lounge is an important venue for commercial networking and for Australian officials to inform relevant African counterparts about our sustainable mining initiatives”, Ms Adamsonadded.

Africa has been a focus of the Australian Government’s Mining for Development initiative since it was first launched in 2011. The initiative aims to assist governments to leverage their mineral wealth for economic growth and poverty reduction.  Used well, mining can drive innovation, generate the revenue needed to fund critical social services such as education and healthcare, and directly and indirectly create the jobs that lift people out of poverty.

“Australia is a resource-rich country with substantial experience in both mining and development. We are also a significant recipient and effective manager of foreign investment in mining. Australia is well-placed to share this experience and assist African countries wanting to develop and overcome the challenges of a growing mining sector,” said Ms Adamson.

Australia was the first donor to commit financial and technical support to the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), a joint initiative of the African Union, African Development Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The Centre, launched in December 2013, will constitute a strategic hub for implementation of the Africa Mining Vision and will coordinate technical support to AU member states to better manage their extractive industries.

Australia is also supporting the development of the African Mineral Skills Initiative (AMSI), a public-private partnership that focuses on building the capacity of African institutions to deliver quality minerals skills education and training.

Additionally, Australia provides education and professional development assistance in mining related areas.  In 2013, Australia hosted 171 participants from 27 countries on mining study tours to Australia.  These study tours have enabled officials to see first-hand both the good and the bad of Australia’s experience in managing its mineral wealth.  The Australian Government also offers postgraduate training opportunities through the Australia Awards scholarships.  In 2013, Australia Awards scholarships were awarded to 128 professionals working in the mining sector from 34 African countries.

Sustainable mining events co-hosted by Australia at Mining Indaba included a two-day pre”‘conference sustainable mining roundtable in partnership with the World Bank Group on 2 February, and a joint event with the African Union on ‘Rolling out the Africa Mining Vision’ on 3 February, focused on skills development and local content, including finding practical ways to implement the Africa Mining Vision.