Mining Governance study tour to Australia

A Mining Governance and Africa Down Under study tour to Australia, organised by the Australian Government through the Australia-Africa Partnerships Facility (AAPF), with support from IM4DC, is taking place during August and September 2014.

The study tour aims to assist senior African government officials, including from the Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) member states, to strengthen their understanding of the frameworks governing the mining industry in Australia, and how these have led to improved regional development and to apply, as appropriate, lessons and learning in their home countries.

As a partnership activity between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Government of Western Australia, the study tour also aims to strengthen the framework for cooperation between the Government of Western Australia and COMESA member states.

Participating countries and African regional organisations include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, South Sudan, African Union Commission (AUC), COMESA and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

During the first week of the study tour, participants will be split into two sub-groups with the following technical focus areas:

  • Linkages and diversification
  • Fiscal regimes and financial management.

Throughout the second week, participants will attend the Africa Australia Research Forum (AARF) and the Africa Down Under (ADU) Conference in Perth.

Participants will be exposed to both theoretical discussions, as well as hands-on field trips, where sub-groups will have the opportunity to meet with private sector companies, community groups, visit large-scale mining operations, and interact with local and state government departments. Participants will be supported to develop links and networks with institutions, companies and individuals that they meet during the tour.

The study tour aims to:

  • Provide an overview of the governance framework applied to Australia’s mining sector; and
  • Provide participants with an opportunity to create and strengthen networks, and contribute to the Africa Australian Research Form and the African Down Under Conference.