AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS MINING FOR DEVELOPMENT IN MOZAMBIQUE

CANBERRA, Australia, March 15, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Australian expertise is helping Mozambique sustainably manage its mineral resources and ensure that mining revenue supports development.

Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Richard Marles, and Mozambican Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, His Excellency Mr Oldemiro Baloi signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Mining for Development at Parliament House this afternoon to formalise the growing partnership between Australia and Mozambique.

Mr Marles said Australia and Mozambique have a significant natural resource base in common.

'The Australian Government is working closely with the Government of Mozambique to support its efforts to maximise economic growth from its mineral reserves,' Mr Marles said.

'The partnership will improve technical and vocational education as well as research delivered in response to mining industry demands. The aim is to increase employment opportunities for local people and improve local participation in the industry.

'The partnership will also help improve planning and coordination of resource and related infrastructure developments.'

Since 2009-10, Australia has provided more than $50 million in development assistance to Mozambique with a focus on improvements to water and sanitation service delivery.

Infrastructure planning in small towns and growth centres along resource corridors is a key issue for Mozambique — one that Australia is helping address through the alignment of its mining, water and sanitation assistance.

Mr Marles also announced five new research projects worth more than $2 million focusing on Mozambique. Most of this research will look at ways to more effectively harness mineral resources to support economic growth in related sectors such as agriculture and improve delivery of water and sanitation services to local communities.

The President of Mozambique met with Mozambican students studying on Australia Awards scholarships earlier this week to hear about their experiences, and how they will contribute to Mozambique's development upon return. Students are studying a range of topics including water management, carbon management, economics, public policy and agribusiness.