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AFRIcA DoWn UnDeR

ESG leaders in Africa recognised

s the only awards ceremony recognising
Aleadership in environmental, social and
governance (ESG) practices by Australian
explorers, miners and industry service organi-
sations working in Africa, the AAMEG Africa
Awards is a prestigious affair celebrated at
Africa Down Under.
As the peak body representing Australian
companies undertaking mining, development
and exploration activities across Africa, the
Australia-Africa Minerals & Energy Group
(AAMEG) has facilitated more than $40 bil-
lion in exploration, extraction, processing and
potential investment by Australian miners in
Africa since its inception a decade ago.
AAMEG chief executive William Witham
said all companies nominated for awards in
2020 demonstrated “exemplary” investment Base Resources Ltd executive director, operations and development Colin Bwye
in good ESG principles showing leadership accepted the Award for Best Innovation in Corporate Social Development. An Australian-
not only as Australians in Africa, but as wel- based, African focused, mineral sands producer and developer, Base was recognised for
come and trusted members of their host com- their COVID-19 community support programmes in Kenya and Madagascar
munities.
“Every nominee should be extremely proud
of their work on the continent, especially in a 2020 AAMEG Africa Awards judges
year where there is no longer a ‘business as included Hon Consul – Consulate of the
usual’, travel restrictions, a new deadly dis- Republic of Ghana in Perth Fred Soale,
ease and fast-changing global conditions,” Project Manager – Association of Women in
Witham said. Mining in Africa Dr Muza Gondwe, AAMEG
“Our Australian miners in Africa have sto- chief executive William Witham (pictured),
ries that deserve to be told, stories of deter- Minerals Council of Australia chief
mination, commitment and doing what we executive Tania Constable and AAMEG vice
are known for as Australian’s – acting with chairman Ben Gargett
resilience.”
Minerals Council of Australia chief execu-
tive Tania Constable, one of the 2020 awards
judges, applauded the work Australian mining
companies beyond the mine gate down un-
der and abroad.
“ESG principles transcend borders. Our
2020 winners have shown a strong commit-
ment and pro-active approach to addressing
ESG principles in their everyday work and Ashley Morrison accepted the Best
are actively making a difference to the socio- Workforce and Industry Development
economic development of the communities in Initiative Award on behalf of Geodrill
which they operate in Africa,” Constable said. Ghana Ltd. The drilling company, which
“These principles and practices are equally has a fleet of 67 drill rigs operating across
relevant to Australian mining companies op- Ghana, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali,
erating in Australia and operating overseas, and Zambia won the award for their
because our companies have a responsibil- Ghana-based drill rig manufacturing
ity to demonstrate best practice and transfer programme designed for the African
knowledge wherever they operate.” terrain and manufactured with local labour

Orion Minerals Ltd won the inaugural Emerging ESG Leader
Award, sponsored by the Minerals Council of Australia. Orion
is breathing new life into the town of Prieska in South Africa’s
Northern Cape. By applying imagination and innovation
to community development programmes and workforce
identification efforts the company is recognising the priority
for economic and regional development as it looks to revive
the historic Prieska copper-zinc mine. Orion chairman Denis
Waddell was delighted to accept the award on behalf of the
company