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Mining for development experts from the UWA-based International Mining for Development Centre (IM4DC) are accompanying Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett at the Mining Indaba (or Conference) in Cape Town, South Africa, where Mr Barnett is delivering a keynote address on WA's world-leading mining legislation and regulation.

The Mining Indaba, which finishes on Thursday, is the world's largest gathering of mining's most influential stakeholders and decision-makers vested in African mining. The UWA experts also travelled with Mr Barnett to Zambia for the signing of a MoU between the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the State Government.

Ian Satchwell, Director of IM4DC is at the Indaba. IM4DC was established in 2011 with funding from the Australian Government. IM4DC's co-lead partner is the University of Queensland. IM4DC delivers its activities in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

"The aim of IM4DC is to help build capacity within our partner country government agencies, in universities and in civil society organisations to host mining well and do well from mining," Mr Satchwell said. "In just over two years, we have hosted 650 participants from 38 African countries in university-presented short courses.

"Our research in Africa includes better understanding health and safety management issues, assessing the capacity needs of mines inspectorates, assessing at mine waste management issues and improving geoscience data. Zambians are also participating in the Emerging African Leaders in Mining program in Cape Town at present.

"We have developed partnerships with several African universities, including the University of Zambia and University of Ghana. The Australia-Africa Universities Network provides another opportunity for partnering between universities.

"IM4DC will shortly formalise a partnership with the new African Minerals Development Centre, which was launched last month. Together we will present short courses, commission research and build human and institutional capacity."

Media references

Ian Satchwell (Director, International Mining for Development Centre) (+61.8)  9263 9815  /  (+61 4) 04 822 492

David Stacey (UWA Public Affairs) (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716