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The Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, will officially open the Australia in Sub-Saharan African Mining Conference that will take place at the Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria, South Africa on the 26 - 27 July 2001. The minister will address issues of Health & Safety, Environmental Management, Mineral Beneficiation and the participation of the previously disadvantaged people in the mining industry.

Africa is without doubt one of the earth's most important producer of several minerals and metals. This conference is therefore aimed at attracting investor finance and access to resources, as well as the need to address the sustainability of the mineral sector.

Meetings between investors and delegates from Southern Africa and Australia will be arranged and exhibition booths for African countries and sponsors will be organised for participants to network and exchange information.

The Conference also aims to promote mutually beneficial co-operation between Australia and Sub-Saharan Africa and will be hosted by the Department of Minerals and Energy, the Australian High Commission and other stakeholders in the mining industry.

The previous Southern Africa-Australia Mineral Sector Synergies Symposium was hosted by the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy on 16 March 2000. Delegates from African mining countries, including South Africa, and participants from the Australian Mining and academic communities attended the symposium.

Enquiries: Kanyo Gqulu on 083 293 3377/ 012 317 9537

Issued by: Ministry of Minerals and Energy, 10 July 2001