DAP is accessible by organisations working at a community level in fields
such as poverty alleviation, education, sanitation, health, human rights, rural
development and conservation, and is a competitive grants scheme awarded to
projects that can demonstrate a tangible developmental outcome for a specific
disadvantaged group of people.
This example of a public-private partnership does not replace the ongoing
corporate social responsibility involvement by mining companies. Rather it
enhances and provides additional benefits to the local community.
A further example is the recently signed agreement between AAMIG and
the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA). This
relationship will directly benefit Australia mining companies in Africa seeking to
achieve positive and functional community engagement and development through
agriculture. AAMIG members will have direct access to DAFWA’s international
consultancy arm, and can leverage specialist knowledge and technical services
in finding solutions for issues such as biosecurity, quarantine and supply chain
systems, as well as crop diversification and production capacity.
Junior mining companies cannot be expected to solve all the social and
economic issues in the vicinity of their operations. Better results are likely to
be achieved by building strategic alliances such as this one – developing more of
a ‘Team Australia’ approach to investing in Africa.
AAMIG aims to be a voice for the industry, promote adherence to best practice
guiding documentation, encourage a ‘Team Australia’ approach, respond to
specific issues related to working in Africa, and support sustainable community
development. The group is actively positioning the Australian mining industry
in Africa as desirable and socially responsible global investors.
Sinking a borehole for a community in north-west Ghana
Project supported by Azumah Resources