Austrade chief economist Tim Harcourt said the emerging resources boom in Africa “represents significant potential for Australian exporters in mining, mining-related technology, infrastructure and skill formation”

Australian High Commissioner to South Africa Philip Green said Australian mining companies are making a substantial contribution to the development of Africa’s resource sector – a role that is important for Africa’s future.

Green said the Australian mining industry’s input brings not only high standards in mining and advanced mining technologies, but also the delivery of environmental protection, corporate social responsibility and community development.

“Australian mining and resource investment in Africa is worth more than $US15 billion – a large proportion of new ventures on the continent have an Australian involvement,” Green said.

“The resource industry is pivotal for Africa’s future – how well it is managed will largely determine whether the prosperity sought in Africa, over coming decades, can be achieved.”

Australia’s role in Africa’s mining sector will be showcased at the continent’s premier mining conference, Mining Indaba 2007, in Cape Town next week.

Australia’s high commissioners, ambassadors to African countries and the Australian trade commissioner will be present at Indaba to support an Australian Government promotion, which has been strongly backed by major mining companies, led by BHP Billiton.

Austrade’s Johannesburg-based trade commissioner, Jay Meek, said that Mining Indaba 2007 presents the Australian mining sector with a unique opportunity to access influential African government and business representatives, including an anticipated 20 African government delegations and over 3000 industry participants.

“Mining Indaba 2007 is specifically focused on investment in the African mining sector. Over 400 Australian delegates will attend the conference this year, representing mining companies as well as mining services and supply companies,” Meek said.