Canadian companies’ interest in mining in Africa has increased in recent years, with between 25 and 35 companies to attend this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba, says Africa-focused business development and marketing company MineAfrica president Bruce Shapiro.

“Despite the issues in some African countries, the continent, particularly West Africa, is more attractive than before to Canadian miners.”

He adds that the promotional efforts of MineAfrica and business networking organisation Canada-Africa Chamber of Business contribute to increasing the awareness of opportunities in Africa’s mining sector.

“The Canadian government’s role in promoting the country’s expertise in corporate social responsibility principles in emerging markets such as Africa is receiving a lot of interest,” notes Shapiro.

He says there are about 185 TSX- and TSX Venture Exchange-listed mining companies with projects in Africa, all of which are headquartered in Canada. This number represents just under half of all non-African-based mining companies and shows the importance of Canada to Africa’s mining industry.

MineAfrica and the chamber will again participate in the Mining Indaba 2012, in February, hosted by Cape Town.

Shapiro explains that owing to the focus of the event and as attendees are there for a mutually rewarding purpose, the Mining Indaba enables Canadian companies to meet African Mining Ministers and find new opportunities while presenting service providers with an opportunity to network and promote themselves.

The chamber and Toronto-based MineAfrica have been involved in the indaba for six years.

“From the chamber’s perspective, the significant amount of interest in mining in Africa in Canada encouraged us to get involved in the indaba in 2005. Many of our members are mining companies, service providers or advisers to the mining industry in Africa.

“Further, MineAfrica is a platform for promoting mining investment in Africa and it makes sense for it to be at the indaba to promote the platform to governments, mining companies and service providers looking to raise their profiles in both Canada and the UK,” states Shapiro.

The chamber will be looking to make contacts and encourage future participation in MineAfrica events in Canada and the UK at the Mining Indaba.

Leading up to the event, Shapiro participates in key Canada–Africa network- ing events held at various venues.

“I have also mentioned my participation in the Mining Indaba to both the chamber’s and MineAfrica’s contact lists prior to the event to arrange one-on-one meetings. These meetings allow us to explain how both organisations can benefit African mining companies, service providers and governments and introduce them to investors throughout Canada, the US and the UK markets,” says Shapiro.

Shapiro and MineAfrica VP Wayne Floreani offer mining seminars and business development and consulting services, with their events generally well attended and respected.

“MineAfrica’s goal is to help govern- ments, organisations, companies and miners network and make useful contacts to further their business,” concludes Floreani.

To subscribe to Mining Weekly's print magazine email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or buy now.