The Australia-Africa Minerals and Energy Group’s 5th annual Africa Awards — part of Paydirt’s annual ‘Africa Down Under’ Conference — celebrates excellence in environmental, social and governance practices (ESG) from Australian mining companies and charities making a difference in Africa.
Four companies that go above and beyond in promoting transparency, equity and mutual benefit in their operations on the continent were announced as winners at the prestigious recent event.
Australia-Africa Minerals and Energy Group CEO Roger Staley said: “The Africa Awards have become a beacon of excellence for Australian mining and energy resource companies operating in Africa. These awards highlight and celebrate the visionary approaches that are delivering long-term benefits for local communities. All of the winners and nominees offer inspiration to others, showing that it is possible to create a positive impact which benefits both shareholders and host communities.”
Emerging ESG Leader Award for an Explorer/Developer
Orion Minerals Ltd (ASX:ORN, JSE:ORN) won the Emerging ESG Leader Award for an Explorer/Developer for its stakeholder engagement work and creation of a Community Participation Framework (CPF) in South Africa in a turbulent social and political environment.
Crafted after extensive community and stakeholder consultation, the CPF not only exceeds regulatory requirements but also generates substantial employment, social and economic benefits for its host community, setting a model for other junior mining and exploration companies.
Established ESG Leader Award for a Resource Producer
South32 Ltd (LSE:S32, ASX:S32, OTC:SHTLF, JSE:S32) took out the Established ESG Leader Award for a Resource Producer for its construction of the Kotulong Community Centre — a newly built sustainable facility for vulnerable children in Meyerton, South Africa.
Developed in consultation with the local community and generating local jobs during construction, the centre has the capacity to accommodate 60 children in a safe and nurturing environment resembling a stable family unit.
Established ESG Leader Award for a Service Provider
Geodrill (TSX:GEO) won the Established ESG Leader Award for a Service Provider for its sponsorship of Lvolution Academy — a local sporting taekwondo academy in Côte d’Ivoire.
With finance a major barrier for local martial arts athletes competing on the global stage, this support enabled athletes to attend international tournaments in Egypt, France and Rwanda, helping put the country on the map. The team won big in Egypt taking home 13 medals and 4 trophies.
Change-Maker Award for a Not-for-Profit/Charity
Australian Doctors for Africa (ADFA) took home the Change-Maker Award for a Not-for-Profit/Charity, a volunteer not-for-profit working to develop healthier environments and build capacity through the provision of voluntary medical assistance across Madagascar, Ethiopia, Somaliland and Comoros.
ADFA has supported hundreds of babies and children to recover their walking ability by treating clubfoot while they are little.
Making a meaningful difference in Africa
Vaka Health Foundation co-founder Yangama Jokwiro — one of this year’s eight judges — said the awards were a testament to Australian companies’ commitment to make a meaningful difference in Africa.
Joining Yangama Jokwiro on the distinguished panel of judges were Nkandu Beltz, founder and director of Beltz Mining; Chris McCombe, general manager of sustainability at the Minerals Council of Australia; Kellie Benda, non-executive director FAICD; Catherine Bell, a partner in climate and sustainability services at RSM; Helen Bathurst, partner in assurance at PwC; Sherif Andrawes, global head of natural resources and partner in corporate finance at BDO; and Ross Hamilton, vice-president of sustainability at Perenti.
Kellie Benda said: “I am profoundly inspired by the exceptional quality of applicants who have showcased their remarkable achievements within the realm of ESG. These awards not only celebrate excellence but also underscore the significant contributions of Australian companies in Africa, reaffirming the transformative power of responsible business practices on the continent. Together we witness the impressive impact when vision, commitment and sustainability converge to shape a brighter future for all.”
Catherine Bell said: “RSM chose to sponsor the AAMEG Africa Awards to help advocate for companies who are striving to integrate and lead with sustainability at the core of their business. In today’s complex operating environment, competing priorities and growing risks, companies leading on sustainability are paving the way for many others and are showing what is possible.”