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‘Turbocharge’ African engagement:

Reynolds

ustralia must increase its links to Africa with other nations with shared values. As greatest cost of this insecurity – as well
Aand the Indian Ocean Rim as it adjusts Indian Ocean rim nations, we clearly have as the personnel and operations of mining
to the rapidly changing world around it, shared strategic interests with African na- companies,” she said.
according to Federal Minister for Defence tions – a desire for peace and prosperity “It is essential that new Australian com-
Linda Reynolds. which requires mutual sovereign respect panies to the region understand the secu-
Speaking at Africa Down Under, Reyn- and adherence to international laws.” rity environment where they work. We are
olds said Australia needed to “turbo- Reynolds acknowledged that West Aus- working closely with partner governments,
charge” its commercial, social and stra- tralian mining companies had led the way other diplomatic missions, and local and
tegic links with Africa at a time when the in Africa and called on the sector to con- international experts to provide the best,
rules-based order is “becoming increas- tinue its engagement with the continent. and most up-to-date, information possi-
ingly tested”. “I am proud that Australian companies ble.”
“The world, including our shared neigh- contribute to African economies, and com- As well as providing security support
bourhood, is going through a period of sig- munities, in positive and sustainable ways,” to African governments, Australia is also
nificant geopolitical change, which is caus- she said. “Western Australia is quietly but playing a role in negotiations over the
persistently leading the proposed African Free Trade Agreement.
way. Sub-Saharan Af- Covering 55 members of the Africa Union,
rica has the highest con- the agreement would create the world’s
centration of Australian largest free trade area, accounting for
resources projects in the more than 1.2 billion people and a com-
world – it is estimated bined GDP of $US3.4 trillion.
at around one-third of “The Economic Commission for Africa
the total number outside estimates that establishing this free trade
Australia – and one in 20 area could boost intra-African trade by
ASX-listed companies over 50% by eliminating import duties,
has an investment in Af- and double this amount if non-tariff barri- BUILDING A
rica.” ers are also lowered,” Reynolds said. “We
Reynolds said by want to make sure we play our part to see
supporting sustain- this succeed. This is why the Australian
able development goals, Government is working to provide training UNIQUE MINERAL
Australian mining com- opportunities for the negotiators as they
panies were important continue to settle details.”
ambassadors for “Brand She said Australia was also working with
Australia”. African jurisdictions to make the most of
“Australian companies their mineral wealth by striking a balance SANDS COMPANY
are not just corporate between foreign investment and national
entities – they are na- interest.
tional diplomats,” she “We are a nation that prospers because
said. “The performance of its endowment of natural resources, and
of Australian companies that’s what we want for others – a pathway
in Africa sets us apart, to economic and social growth. We know
and our engagement is from our own experience that developing a
mutually beneficial for resources sector is not just about finance,
the countries and com- technical skills and workforce.
munities in which they “It is also about getting the regulatory
operate.” frameworks right – frameworks that sup-
Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds tries her hand at
remote truck driving at the Resolute Mining booth As a former Army Re- port a sustainable industry, that encourage
serve officer, Reynolds the development of clean technologies,
has always shown a and frameworks that ensure respect for
keen awareness about the sovereignty of the nation.
ing significant anxiety,” Reynolds said. security issues and she used Africa Down “Strong national frameworks and trans-
“Australia is increasingly looking to tradi- Under to remind Australian miners to be parent legal and financial regulations en-
tional liberal democratic friends and allies vigilant when operating on the continent. sure that, as a sovereign nation, Australia
to work together in new ways. In Africa, this “There are many complex issues at play has been able to benefit from foreign in-
has traditionally been with fellow members here that pose great challenges for gov- vestment but also protect our national in-
of the Commonwealth. Increasingly, how- ernments in the [West African] region and terests.”
ever, Australia, like other democracies, is we recognise the efforts they are making – Dominic Piper
looking to developing new relationships to protect their citizens – who bear the
+61 8 9413 7400 info@baseresources.com.au @baseresources Base Resources
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