The forum, organised by the Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN), was aimed at establishing links between mining research institutions and industry as well as discussing research opportunities on the continent.

Prof Cheryl de la Rey, UP’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal as well as Co-Chairperson of the AAUN, hosted the forum which also served as an opportunity for members of the AAUN African Steering Group (Vice-Chancellors or nominated Deputy Vice-Chancellors of the partner institutions) to meet in person. Members from UP, the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, the University of Cape Town and the University of Mauritius attended. The Vice-Chancellor of the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology in Tanzania also took part in the discussions.

The Australian delegation consisted of the AAUN Co-chairperson, Prof John Hearn, and members of Murdoch University as well as Mr Richard Slattery, Deputy Director Operations & Business Development of the International Mining for Development Centre.

The Australian High Commissioner, Mr Graeme Wilson, was the keynote speaker at the reception dinner.