Africa’s emerging mining leaders visit Central Highlands
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Posted on February 27, 2019
A study group of Africa’s emerging leaders from across the mining sector visited the Central Highlands region this week to learn from the region’s rich experience in the resource sector.
The group of thirty geologists and mining engineers comes from seven different African countries and is hoping to find solutions on tackling challenges of social and environmental sustainability and leverage economic development from small-scale mining.
Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Kerry Hayes said the visit is a rewarding experience for the region and the visitors.
‘Our region has a rich history of all aspects of mining and fossicking and we are lucky to be able to showcase and share our experience,’ he said.
‘We hope their experiences in the region will help them grow professionally and turn their knowledge into great outcomes in their home countries.
‘It’s very rewarding and we thank the the University of Queensland and those businesses and peoples involved in the exchange.
‘We extend our warmest welcome to the visitors.’
JM2 Solutions Principal Consultant Janice Moriarty connects the group with mining businesses and said they visited various types of mine sites, including sandstone mining, the Sapphire Gemfields, gold fossicking, copper and coal mining and include sightseeing along the way.
‘It is always a pleasure to have people visiting our region to exchange ideas and create opportunities between countries,’ she said.
The group takes part in the Australia Awards short course on Local Economic and Social Development in Extractives Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (LESDE ASM). The course is delivered by the University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI).
SMI’s course leader and small-scale mining expert Lynda Lawson said that the visit to the Central Queensland region is a key learning experience for the participants and has become a heart of the course.
She said it’s the seventh group she has brought to the region to witness firsthand the value of regional planning and we will showcase Queensland’s entrepreneurial flair with minerals.
The Australia Awards are funded by the Australian Government and offer emerging global leaders’ study, research and professional development opportunities in Australia, and high-achieving Australians similar experiences overseas.
More information on Australia Awards available here.