Australia will continue to support West African countries deal with security threats in mining sector – Tim Watts

In a speech delivered on the opening day of the 4th West African Mining Security Summit in Accra on October 1, 2024, Tim Watts asserted that for the world to succeed in its battle against the impact of climate change, African countries must be supported to play a leading role.

According to him, Africa has the minerals and natural resources necessary for the transition to clean energy and eco-friendly power sources, and global support for Africa in harnessing its green mineral resources is of significant importance in the fight against climate change.

Honorable Tim Watts stated that the Australian government, aware of this, has continued to invest in the African mining sector to ensure the protection and safety of mining companies and the industry.

“Australia has a shared interest in the prosperity and security of all the countries of West Africa. In the past year, we have seen Africa, through the African Union, assume its rightful place as one of the members of the G20. I often say, ‘there is no global economy without Africa.’

“Furthermore, there is no solution to climate change without Africa. The world cannot achieve a global transition to net zero without the contribution of a responsible mining sector in West Africa.

“The mining sector in West Africa is integral to supplying the critical minerals and rare earths the world needs to cleanly power the future. Australian companies are proudly part of West Africa’s contribution to meet this global challenge.

“Our companies are well-known for their world-class operations and their high environmental, social, and governance standards. At home, Australians can be proud that our companies’ investments support local jobs and local communities in your part of the world,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, Berenice Owen-Jones, the Australian High Commissioner, restated her government’s commitment to security in the West African sub-region.

She stated that Australia appreciates West Africa’s strategic positioning as a hub for mining and will continue to collaborate with various governments and authorities to implement decisive measures against the threats of terrorism in the sub-region.

Berenice Owen-Jones stated that Australia has invested over $10 million in counter-terrorism and will not relent in its efforts to ensure the safety of the mining industry in West Africa.

“We also appreciate that West Africa is home to some of the most challenging operating environments in the world for mining companies. Africa is now recognized as the most active theatre for violent extremism.

“Across the Sahel and other West African countries, expanding terrorist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and Islamic State undermine the prospects for new investment and threaten the lives of both foreign and local workers in the resource sector.

To address the threat, the Australian Government has invested over $10 million in counter-terrorism as well as preventing and countering violent extremism programs in Africa. We have done that through multilateral agencies and through sustainable, locally-driven efforts to counter the threat of terrorism and extremism,” she said.

The West African Mining Security Conference is an annual event by the Australian High Commission to Ghana, which brings together relevant persons and organizations in the mining and security sectors of West Africa to deliberate on improving security in the mining sector.