2025 AAMEG AWARDS WINNERS UNVEILED: EXEMPLIFYING EXCELLENCE ACROSS THE AFRICAN CONTINENT
By AAMEG | 5 September 2025
- DRA Global – Excellence in Social Development
- Eco Detection – Excellence in Innovation
- Tozama Kulati Siwisa (West Wits Mining) – Rising Star
- Perseus Mining – Operational Excellence
- Bicycles for Humanity – Changemaker for Charity/ NFP
Strong leadership is the cornerstone of a safe, profitable and sustainable minerals and energy industry.
The companies crowned champions of innovation, operational excellency, charitability and social development yesterday evening at the annual AAMEG Awards (and all nominees for that matter) are wholly deserving of the recognition they received, as the actions, initiatives and values these companies embody are creating new opportunity in various jurisdictions across the African continent.
The reality is, there are numerous Australian companies operating in Africa that are driving lasting, sustainable change on both economic and social levels. However, often the narrative of these companies goes unheard. As the peak body representing Australian companies engaged in the development of Africa’s resource industry, AAMEG conceptualised the Awards in 2019 to ensure that these efforts are brought to the forefront.
Held as part of Paydirt’s annual ‘Africa Down Under’ Conference, the AAMEG Awards has established itself as a leading platform for recognising companies that go above and beyond in promoting transparency, equity and mutual benefit in their operations on the African continent.
AAMEG Chief Executive Doug Horak praised the Awards, saying “These awards shed light on the significant contributions made by Australian companies operating in Africa.
“This consists of influential companies determined to bring significant value to African communities and shareholders alike, impressive individuals who set the benchmark for ethical practice, and charities determined to increase livelihoods by providing greater healthcare, innovative technology and better education.
“Tonight’s winners set a powerful and inspiring example for other Australian resources companies operating on the ground in Africa.
“There’s a new standard for ethical practice in Africa, and we look forward to seeing the progress yet to come.”
AAMEG Awards 2025 Winners:
DRA Global won the Excellence in Social Development award for the Lasting Legacy Initiative implemented by its Minopex subsidiary. This initiative addresses unemployment, limited education and poor healthcare in its host communities, aiming to create long-term socio-economic benefits. With a focus on education, entrepreneurship and infrastructure, the program is expected to foster intergenerational benefits, positioning Minopex as a leader in sustainable innovation.
Eco Detection took out the Excellence in Innovation award for developing the Ion Q+ system, the world’s first field-deployable Capillary Zone Electrophoresis (CZE) platform. Ion Q+ is a fully autonomous, solar-powered technology capable of delivering laboratory-grade precision for quality water monitoring across various industries. Its high-frequency, in-situ water quality monitoring enables operators to take immediate action, ensure regulatory compliance, reduce operational costs and protect ecosystems.
The Ion Q+ has led to favourable Environmental Protection Authorities (EPA) outcomes, improved wastewater and mine site management, and enriched environmental datasets that drive sustainability.
Tozama Kulati Siwisa from West Wits Mining won the Rising Star Award for her efforts in shaping the environmental, governmental and community frameworks of West Wits’ Witwatersrand Basin Project in South Africa’s Central Rand Goldfield. Tozama is recognised for driving ESG, local development and women’s advancement while shaping global conversations around responsible mining.
Perseus Mining was appointed as the recipient of the Operational Excellence Award by AAMEG, for excelling in both economic and societal fronts, enriching the lives of thousands while also delivering strong shareholder returns.
The Perth-based company produces more than 500,000 ounces of gold annually across its mines operating in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Sudan, with another currently under development in Tanzania. In FY25, Perseus contributed a total of more than US$820 million in wages, procurement, taxes, royalties and dividends.
And finally, Bicycles for Humanity (B4H) won the Changemaker for Charity / Not for Profit award for providing African communities with affordable, sustainable transport. Leveraging its resources and industry partners, B4H sent more than 10,000 bicycles in 27 containers to Africa and established 13 new Bicycle Empowerment Centres while resupplying others throughout the process. These partnerships have also supported other significant projects, including its Prieska Project with Orion Minerals and the long-running “Mr Elephant’s Bike Garage” in Namibia.
The winners were chosen by a distinguished panel of judges, each with a proven record of delivering success within their organisations and contributing to the growth of the Australia–Africa resources sector. The panel comprised Chris McCombe (General Manager, Sustainable Minerals Council of Australia), Mark Connelly (Company Director & Mining Executive), and Liam Twigger (Executive Director & Company Chair, Argonaut).
Judge and Company Chair at Argonaut Liam Twigger said, “The AAMEG Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of Australian companies making a lasting difference on the ground in Africa.
“Both nominees and winners are committed to delivering sustainable solutions that uplift communities, transform livelihoods and create an enduring legacy of positive impact.
“It gives me a great sense of pride to be part of such an important industry event.”
General Manager, Sustainability at the Minerals Council of Australia Chris McCombe expressed both his gratitude to the people behind the Awards and his respect for nominees and winners alike.
“The AAMEG Awards are a fantastic opportunity for Australian companies operating in Africa to demonstrate how they are driving positive change, while also setting a strong example for others across the continent.
“Having been part of the panel for consecutive years now, I am continually impressed by the way the AAMEG Awards raise the bar for sustainable mining operations, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Learn more about the AAMEG Awards and read the inspiring stories behind our winners and nominees here.