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ADU ReVIeW

Canberra’s African

engagement set to increase

ustralian Assistant Minister for For- “Australian mining companies have in-
Aeign Affairs, Tim Watts has pledged vested an estimated $40 billion across the
to improve relations with African coun- African continent, employing thousands of Tim Watts
tries. people; contributing substantial revenue to
In the opening address to this year’s host countries; and sharing Australian ex- was crucial to solving the climate crisis.
Africa Down Under, Watts said diplomatic pertise and technology.” “This will be more important than ever
ties needed to improve with a continent Later this year, Watts plans to visit Nige- as we all work to rebuild economies and
which will be home to a quarter of the ria and Ghana in his first ministerial trip to societies battered by the pandemic,” he
world’s population by 2050. Africa, and will open the West Africa Min- said. “The Australian Government will
“The Australian Government has not ing Security Conference in Accra. He said continue to champion predictable and fair
always engaged with African countries as mining would play a key role in combatting regulatory environments, where business-
deeply or as knowledgeably as we could security as well as other major issues fac- es and investments can flourish for shared
have. That has been to our detriment,” ing the planet. benefit.
Watts admitted. “Reinvigorating our rela- “African nations are important partners, “That’s why we are helping build capac-
tionships with African nations is a key fo- and the Australian Government wants to ity in the mining sector in Africa. We want
cus for me in my role as Assistant Minister expand our engagement and coopera- to help African governments deliver re-
for Foreign Affairs.” tion in a range of fields – including through sponsible, accountable and effective min-
The reinvigoration will include miners, social connections, trade and investment ing governance.”
explorers and service companies who are and security collaboration,” he said. Among the practical efforts the Depart-
at the forefront of Australia’s African en- “If the pandemic has taught us anything, ment of Foreign Affairs and Trade is roll-
gagement. it’s that stability and prosperity of all our ing out is a new programme of Australia
“Importantly, I’m looking forward to countries are interlinked. Our global stra- Wards short courses focused on the min-
hearing from you on your own priorities,” tegic environment is shifting fast, and we ing sector.
Watts said. face unprecedented challenges. Instability “We will ensure more women are able to
“The dedication and energy of Austral- and insecurity threatens the international access these capacity-building initiatives,
ian mining companies – along with the Af- rules-based order, and our shared peace helping to build their pathways into senior
rican governments who have recognised and prosperity.” roles in mining,” Watts said.
the value and expertise of Australia’s min- Australian miners are currently develop-
ing industry – is already contributing to Af- ing a range of critical minerals projects on – Dominic Piper
rica’s economic recovery. the continent and Watts said the sector

Africa key to plugging skills shortage

est Australian Minister for Mines Bill moves to decarbonise.
WJohnston has recognised Africa’s “We know that facing these challenges
rapid population growth – poised to reach together is a real opportunity for develop-
2.5 billion people by 2050 – as a key con- ment of our resources for the benefit of
tributor to filling the world’s skills short- communities across Africa.”
ages going forward. Today, 120 ASX companies are operat-
“By 2030, Austrade estimates that one ing or developing across 32 African coun-
in four college-aged people will be Afri- tries for more than 200 mining projects,
can,” Johnston said at Africa Down Under. with 68% of those companies based in
“This group will clearly be an important WA.
part of the global workforce, and an impor- Bill Johnston More than 40 of those projects are fo-
tant talent pool for the future. It creates op- cused on gold exploration, but Johnston
portunities to build upon our shared objec- in-demand workers. said interests in battery metals were grow-
tives and expertise.” Johnston explained that WA’s existing ing.
Many industries across the world are relationships with Africa was only expect- “There is clearly very considerable inter-
currently experiencing skill shortages, but ed to grow through the resources sector. est out of that WA investment into battery
the resources industry is perhaps seeing “WA exports to Africa more than any minerals such as cobalt, copper, graphite,
the most acute symptoms. other state in the country,” he said. “Our lithium and nickel,” he said.
Earlier this year, more than 90% of WA’s trade and business with Africa reflects our
resources businesses identified skills increasingly global mining industry and the – Fraser Palamara
shortages as a significant barrier with drill- greater change happening as the globe
ers, mechanics and technicians the most

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