Foreign Minister Bob Carr met four AusAID-funded international students at the University of Western Australia in Perth last week, here to learn from Australia's significant expertise and experience in mining.
Catherine Nyakecho from Uganda, Sam Summerville from Liberia, Javier Gonzales from Colombia and Lamin Manneh from Gambia are all Australian Development Scholarship (ADS) students at the University of Western Australia.
The University of Western Australia, in partnership with the University of Queensland hosts the International Mining for Development Centre which brings Australia's world-leading expertise in mining to resource-rich developing countries through education.
The mining sector is a significant contributor to economic growth in many developing countries. It has considerable potential to help reduce poverty and accelerate human development, through increasing government and community revenues, generating employment, and providing physical and human infrastructure.
Senator Carr said he was impressed with the high-calibre of the students and is confident they will contribute to development when they return to their countries.
Australia contributes $4.9 million to the Extractive Industries Technical Advisory Facility
While at the University of Western Australia, Senator Carr announced $4.9 million in aid funding for the Extractive Industries Technical Advisory Facility to help developing countries share the benefits from mining.
'This represents an opportunity for developing countries to use their mining wealth to drive their future prosperity,' Senator Carr said.
The World Bank-led Facility helps developing countries to understand, negotiate and analyse the complex financial, legal and environmental aspects of mining agreements. Australia now joins Canada, Norway, Switzerland, the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank in supporting the Facility.
Sam Summerville is finishing his Master of Science this month and going back to Liberia. He told Senator Carr that his country has good mineral potential but requires more exploration to unlock its mining wealth.
'I am returning home well prepared and equipped to assist in the rebuilding and revitalisation of Liberia's extractive industry,' Mr Summerville said.
Geology student Catherine Nyakecho from Uganda told Senator Carr that the course she was studying was worthwhile and that it will benefit both her and her country. She says her research has been extremely helpful for geoscience exploration and the development of Uganda's mining industry.
Senator Carr also met Javier Gonzales from Colombia, who is undertaking a PhD on geothermal exploration and Lamin Manneh from Gambia, who is studying a Master of Oil and Gas Engineering.
Australian Development Scholarships
Australian Development Scholarships (ADS) are long-term development awards administered by AusAID. ADS aim to contribute to the long-term development needs of Australia's partner countries, in line with bilateral and regional agreements.
They provide opportunities for people from developing countries to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions.
More information
Media Release: Australia helps developing countries turn mineral resources into wealth [external website]
The International Mining for Development Centre [external website]
Australia's Mining for Development Initiative
Australian Development Scholarships