AFRICAN MINING EXPERTS CONVERGE IN MAPUTO TO DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICAN MINERAL RESOURCES

Maputo, Mozambique, 13th December 2013, Experts responsible for mining and natural resources development from AU Member States converged today Friday 13th -15th December 2013, to brainstorm how African countries could design and implement effective strategies and policies of Mineral Resources through the African Mining Vision (AMV) and development of an African Mineral Development Center AMDC . Their meeting comes ahead of and in preparation for the 3rd Ordinary Session of the AU Conference of the Ministers Responsible for Mineral Resources Development, scheduled to take place 16th -17th December in Mozambique.

The Conference held under the theme: “Leveraging the Africa Mining Vision for Africa’s Renaissance towards broader ownership”, the meeting is jointly organized by the African Union Commission (AUC), Republic of Mozambique and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

Mrs. Treasure Maphanga, Director of Trade and Industry of the AU Commission at today’s opening session of the meeting highlighted the importance of the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) which stresses the need for value addition, through industrialization and beneficiation of raw materials including by establishing backward and forward linkages in the mining industry.

The Director recalled the decision to establish the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) which will initially be established as a five year project of the AUC while a sustainable institutional framework for its future is being developed. She encouraged Member States to take advantage of the services offered by the AMDC and to play a leadership role in the governance of the Centre. ( Please find the full speech of the Director on www.au.int)

Over two days, the experts are expected to discuss on the Implementation of AMV at the national and regional levels, the case of countries and RECs Mining Vision, managing the AMV Transformation Agenda. The Experts meeting will also consider the African Mineral Development Centre (AMDC). In particular, it will focus on structure, mandates, ownership, governance, financing, roles of the stakeholders and the final form of the AMDC. Additionally, the meeting will consider the AMDC Business Plan, the draft Ministerial declarations, draft agenda and work program of the Ministers’ Meeting.

The meeting was attended by the African Experts responsible for mineral resources development, AUC and RECs’ officials, Development Partners, representatives of UN agencies, African private sector, African Chambers of mines and industry, NGOs and CSOs, AfDB.

At the end of their deliberations, the Experts will adopt a report on the main recommendations of their meeting along with a draft declaration, and submit it for adoption to the 3rd Conference of Ministers to open on Monday 16th December 2013.

For Further Information consult the AU website: www.au.int

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