The role of the mining sector in accelerating regional economic development in African countries – including driving the region's agricultural transformation - will be the focus of the fourth annual Africa Australia Research Forum being held in Perth tomorrow (Tuesday, 2 September 2014).
International delegates will explore/discuss in detail a number of key driving issues –including mapping the potential of Africa's mineral resources; innovation in financing environmental stewardship and the environmental legacy of mining; increasing local procurement through building capacity and capability; and adoption and adherence to various voluntary principles and guidelines (UN and OECD).
Entitled “Putting the pedal to the metal: How the extractives sector can contribute to accelerating regional economic development in the countries of Africa”, the Forum brings together a host of global representatives of the mining industry, government, civil society and academia ahead of the 2014 Paydirt Africa Down Under Conference, starting on Wednesday.
International speakers include:
Ms Sheila Khama, Director - African Natural Resources Centre, African Development Bank, whose keynote presentation is titled “Shared value: Investors and African governments partnering to achieve mutual benefit”;
Ms Isabelle Ramdoo,Deputy Head, Economic Governance Programme, European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM);
Mr Denis Blight, Chief Executive,Crawford Fund, and;
Mr Ian Satchwell, Director, International Mining for Development Centre (IM4DC).
WHAT: Africa Australia Research Forum – “Putting the pedal to the metal: How the extractive sector can contribute to accelerating regional economic development in the countries of Africa”
WHO: International mining, government, civil Society and academia experts
WHERE: Novotel Hotel, Perth
WHEN: From 9am today – Tuesday, 2 September 2014
MEDIA CONTACT - Sean Whittington Field Public Relations (0412) 591 520