Mining Sector Role In Driving African Economic Development To Be Focus Of International Forum In Perth Today

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).