As a resource-rich country with substantial experi- ence in mining, devel- opment and mining equipment, as well as technology and services, Australia is well placed to help African countries derive real and sustainable benefits from their mining sectors, Australian High Commissioner to South Africa Graeme Wilson tells Mining Weekly.

He says Australian companies are expanding the geographical reach of their natural resource interests in Africa, a move that is strongly supported by the Australian government.

Australia’s increased interest and business investment in Africa is something the Australian delegation to the 2014 Investing in African Mining Indaba aims to highlight at this year’s event, which will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from February 3 to 6.

Wilson notes that Australia has diplomatic relations with all 54 countries in Africa, with Australian mining activities under way in two-thirds of those countries and “plenty of untapped potential in the sector”.

“Australian minerals and resource companies have more projects in Africa than in any other region in the world, with current and potential investments estimated to be worth more than $40-billion,” he points out.

Further, Wilson highlights that there are more than 200 Australian companies, with more than 700 projects in mining exploration, extraction and processing, operating in 42 African countries.

“Australian companies bring advanced technology and high standards of occupational health and safety to Africa but, above all, they are committed to working in partnership with local communities, which includes upskilling local workforces,” he emphasises.

Aussies Uplifting Africa
Wilson says that Australia, as one of the world’s largest and most successful exporters of minerals and energy commodities, understands the potential of the African mining sector.

“The mining sector has significant potential to drive inno- vation; generate the revenue required to fund critical social services, such as education and healthcare; improve physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges and railways; and create the jobs that improve people’s lives.”
Wilson says that, with about 30% of the world’s mineral reserves being in Africa, the continent has the potential to transform its subsoil assets into human and physical capital.
He adds that Australia also acknowledges that creating a sustainable minerals sector requires a favourable legal, regulatory and fiscal climate, as well as a well-planned, highly skilled and mobile workforce.

Therefore, the Australian government, through its Mining for Development initiative, focuses on good mining gover- nance and skills development and is helping to improve mining practices across Africa.

Since June 2011, the Australian government has provided more than 1 200 education and training opportunities for African participants, including study tours, short courses and master’s degrees in mining.

“Twenty-one African educational institutions have received demand-driven support to improve the quality and quantity of their training programmes. Through its bilateral programmes, Australia has provided African governments with tech- nical assistance on a range of issues, from contract negotiations to revenue management and the development of mining legislation,” he states.

In South Sudan, for example, Australia provided assistance in developing and reviewing the country’s Mining Act, which was passed by the South Sudanese Parliament in 2012.

“Australia has gained a wealth of experience through its 150-year mining history and is proud to share this experience with African countries wanting to replicate the Australian mining success story,” emphasises Wilson.

Australia at Mining Indaba 2014

Wilson notes that the Australian government, through its Depart- ment of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Trade Commission, will stage a significant national presence at Mining Indaba 2014.

“The Ministers lounge will provide an opportunity for Australian companies to discuss investment projects with African Mining Ministers and senior officials. “It will also serve as a platform for Australian officials to inform important stakeholders about the Australian government’s efforts to create sustainable mining models,” he concludes.