2021 AAMEG Africa Awards Winners Showcase Ethical Leadership In Trying Times
By AAMEG | 2 September 2021
2021 AFRICA AWARDS WINNERS:
- Best Innovation in Corporate Social Development – Walkabout Resources
- Best Workforce and Industry Development Initiative – Perenti Global
- Emerging ESG Leader – Deep Yellow
The Australia Africa Minerals & Energy Group (AAMEG) announced the winners of the 2021 AAMEG Africa Awards on Wednesday evening at the Africa Down Under (ADU) conference in Perth. The Awards ceremony and celebratory reception were well attended by industry professionals and representatives from nominee organisations and the public sector.
The proceedings were a culmination of many months’ planning and submissions from a worthy pool of nominees. Aligning with AAMEG’s 10-Year Anniversary, the event highlights the organisation’s place as a peak industry body representing and celebrating its associations.
AAMEG Vice Chair and returning Awards judge Ben Gargett commented: “We initiated the AAMEG Africa Awards to tell the stories of the Australian mining industry as it operates in Africa, particularly in the areas of workforce and social development and ESG leadership.”
The award for Best Innovation in Corporate Social Development was won by Walkabout Resources for their “Tanzanian first, local first” Lindi Jumbo graphite project. Operating near the village of Ruangwa, Lindi Jumbo has implemented a number of initiatives that have ensured the project assimilates successfully into the cultural landscape while adhering to local content requirements of Tanzania, including its 5% village trust fund, which sees profits from the project go directly back into the community.
Judge Muza Gondwe said: “We have received a number of strong submissions this year from varied jurisdictions and commodities which are still pursuing social outcomes for their workforces and their host communities despite the challenges of COVID.”
“Seeing that some of these nominees are able to demonstrate a considered approach to engaging women in their workforce is equally encouraging.”
Perenti Global took out the title of Best Workforce and Industry Development Initiative for their ongoing efforts to create value and certainty for the communities of Botswana. With an investment of over USD$1million, Perenti subsidiary Barminco established the Maun Training Centre, equipped with a workshop, conference room, lecture rooms and an underground machine operator training simulator. The purpose of the centre is to educate local workers in the practices, processes and methodologies of underground mining.
The winner of the 2021 Emerging ESG Leader Award – sponsored by the Minerals Council of Australia – was Deep Yellow Limited, who demonstrated the significance of sustainable reporting and transparency launching their first sustainability report in 2020. Additionally, the company has partaken in numerous local community initiatives focused on early education, early childhood development, sport and the environment. Deep Yellow has been responsive to the COVID-19 crisis via the donation of hospital supplies and oxygenators together with funding and logistical support for food parcels through Hands of Hope.
Shining a light on the great work being undertaken by Australian explorers, miners and industry service organisations working in Africa, the Awards remain the only event of its kind recognising leadership in environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.
The event saw the return of judges Dr Muza Gondwe, Ben Gargett (Vice Chair – AAMEG), and William Witham (CEO – AAMEG), together with newcomer Chris McCombe, General Manager of Sustainability for the Minerals Council of Australia, who sponsor the Emerging ESG Leader Award.
Chris McCombe, 2021 Awards judge and General Manager for Sustainability with the Minerals Council of Australia, concluded: “Success in implementing sound ESG practices is central to the future of the minerals sector, wherever we operate. Our 2021 winners have demonstrated a strong commitment to ESG principles and practice with a focus on performance, accountability and transparency.”
“Putting sustainability performance at the heart of the core business of mining will further enhance partnerships with communities across Africa to support local aspirations for socio-economic development and a healthy environment.”
More information on the winner and the Awards
Perenti Global’s Chief People Officer, Ben Davis (Pictured Left) accepts the award for Best Workforce and Industry Development Initiative from AAMEG CEO Bill Witham (Pictured Right).
Chief Operating Officer of Walkabout Resources, Allan Mulligan (Pictured Right) accepts the award for Best Innovation in Corporate Social Development from 2021 Africa Awards Judge Muza Gondwe (Pictured Left).
CEO of Deep Yellow Limited’s John Borshoff (Pictured Right) accepts the Emerging ESG Leader award – sponsored by the Minerals Council of Australia from AAMEG CEO Bill Witham (Pictured Left).