Australia seeks growth of Nigeria mining sector

The Australian High Commission in Abuja and Murdoch University, Australia, are organising a policy workshop to foster growth of Nigerian mining sector and make it contribute positively to sustainable development. The workshop titled, ‘Making Growth Inclusive: The Role of Mining in the Post-2015 Development Agenda,’ holding on Tuesday in Abuja, will discuss policy-oriented research that explores how mining can foster inclusive growth, including through links with agriculture, water delivery, environmental protection and infrastructure. A statement by the Australian High Commission Public Affairs Officer, Hope Ayabina, on Friday in Abuja, said the programme was being coordinated by Murdoch University’s Africa Research Centre and funded by the Australian Government. It stated that the workshop “is one way in which Australia as a leader in many aspects of mining production technology and management is helping to boost the sector in Nigeria.” The statement added that Australia had provided significant capacity building in mining governance and administration through specialised courses, as well as technical assistance to the Ministry of Mines. It said more than 200 Australian mining companies were working in 35 African countries, including Nigeria, with more than 700 projects in exploration, extraction and processing across the continent. “Australia can bring unique knowledge, advanced technology and high standards of environmental management and occupational health and safety to Africa. Australian companies are committed to working in partnership with local communities, including upskilling local workforces,” Australia’s High Commissioner in Nigeria, Jonathan Richardson, said in the statement. Speakers at the workshop include the Permanent Secretary of Mines and Steel Development and Professors from Murdoch University, Australia; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. Participants include stakeholders from government, the private sector, civil society, academia and the media.