Eventful few months for MineAfrica

News - Living

Wednesday, 07 October 2009 16:20

It’s been a hectic few weeks for MineAfrica and their new division On the Ground Group that focuses on non-Africa specific events and activities. Events were held in Cape Town, Toronto and Vancouver, and one underlying theme has become readily apparent - interest in financing mining projects is definitely on the upswing.

Upcoming seminar events include the Chambers CSR Seminar (Oct. 22, 2009) and the London, UK event (Nov. 30, 2009) and Toronto Investing in African Mining Seminars (Mar. 9, 2010).

The Mining Deal Exchange seminar had brought together project owners and financiers in Vancouver. 125 representatives from the financial and mining communities participated in On the Ground Group’s October 1 seminar featuring 10 presentations, 3 panelists and opening remarks by John McCoach, President of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The seminar was organised in association with the TMX Group (Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange) and sponsors Euroglobal Capital Corp., IBK Capital Corp., Macleod Dixon LLP, the Minerals Resources Analysts Group (MRAG) and Valiant Trust Company.

The half-day event was an opportunity for resource companies seeking financing via the TSX Venture CPC (Capital Pool Company) programme to present to a senior level audience of potential investors. 38% of the audience was from the financial sector, 30% were mining executives, 19% were lawyers, 7% service providers, 2% media and 4% miscellaneous. Concise ten-minute presentations were well received by the audience, and judging from the buzz in the room during the coffee break and cocktail reception, generated a lot of follow up discussion.

Africa presents tremendous opportunity for international investors. Capitalising on these opportunities requires an understanding of the unique challenges of operating in Africa. Effective preparation can mitigate investment risk in the continent and the implementation of effective programmes will assist in reducing risk profile.