29 January 2007
Africa still occupies its rightful position at the centre of the mining
world. The continent remains a major producer of the world's most important
minerals, and although relatively under-explored, accounts for a significant
portion of the world's mineral reserves. This makes it a highly attractive
continent for investment across the value chain. Mining continues to generate
crucial foreign reserves for many countries in the continent. The big question
however, is how strategic Africa is in utilising its mineral resources, in
terms of ensuring that the benefits derived from these help to bring about
sustainable development and prosperity for the people of Africa?
This is the question that several mining ministers and officials from the
various African countries' mining departments, private sector representatives,
and other delegates will be seeking to answer during the 3-day African Mining
Partnership plenary to be held in Pretoria from the 1 to 3 February 2007. The
theme of this year's plenary is 'Optimising Africa's Mineral Potential for
Prosperity,' and most of the topics and projects to be discussed will be
focused on this theme.
The African Mining Partnership was launched in 2004. It is held annually, in
part, to establish common interests among African countries in the area of
mining, and also to explore ways in which to take advantage of Africa's mineral
wealth in order to sustain, develop and grow the continent's economy. The AMP
is an initiative that seeks to address the New Partnership for Africa's
Development (NEPAD's) mining and mineral related challenges. The gathering
attracts a large number of the continent's mining ministers, and in excess of
23 ministers are expected for this year's meeting.
A number of topics will be discussed by delegates at the gathering ranging
from beneficiation and the financing of small scale mining, to human resource
development and the promotion of foreign investment and indigenous
participation in mining ventures. The plenary is a closed meeting, typically
constituted by African Mining Ministers, government officials, associated
government institutions, mining chambers, and mining companies.
The media is welcome to attend the opening address by the South African
Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Sonjica, as well as the keynote address, to
be delivered by the NEPAD's secretariat, Profrssor Mucavele on the final day of
the plenary (3 February). A press release containing a final communique will be
issued to the media on the last day of the plenary.
Enquiries:
Ms Bontle Mafuna
Chief Director: Communication
Tel: (012) 317 8086
Fax: (012) 322 4954
Cell: 082 571 4310
E-mail: bontle.mafuna@dme.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Minerals and Energy
29 January 2007
Source: Department of Minerals and Energy (http://www.dme.gov.za)
