On 7 March 2016, Gowling WLG was pleased to host its first ministerial roundtable on mining. The event was chaired by the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Ontario’s minister of northern development and mines, who was joined by mining ministers from Sierra Leone, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa and Sudan. Moderators for the event included Gowling WLG’s Avril Cole and Glenn Mullan, first vice-president, PDAC, and president, chief executive officer and chairman of Golden Valley Mines.
During the session, the ministers outlined mining sector opportunities and challenges in their respective jurisdictions. The discussion covered a broad range of topics of significance to all of the nations present, as well as for the province of Ontario, including the importance of fiscal reform, certainty in the regulatory landscape, development of infrastructure and the role of innovation.
The ministers also spoke of the importance of corporate social responsibility and human rights due diligence, especially for countries such as Rwanda, which has to contend with regulatory obligations imposed under the Dodd-Frank Act.
The discussion concluded with initiatives being contemplated — as well as those already underway — to encourage investment in the industry during this period of economic downturn and uncertainty. Despite the current market conditions, it was made clear that Africa is open for business.
To find out more about events hosted by Gowling WLG during PDAC 2016, please click here.
