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 from 9am today.
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).
International speakers/presenters include:
Ø 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”;
Ø Ms Isabelle Ramdoo, Deputy Head, Economic Governance Programme, European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM);
Ø Mr Denis Blight, Chief Executive, Crawford Fund, and;
Ø Mr Ian Satchwell, Director, International Mining for Development Centre (IM4DC).