Adelaide, Sept 7, 2006 (ABN Newswire) - Australian mining companies wanting to invest in counterpart opportunities in Africa have been encouraged to more widely recognise the help available from the Federal Government, to do so.

One of the key areas of assistance not being fully utilised is the access available through Government channels to senior government officials and Ministers in Africa.

Addressing the Paydirt Media 2006 Africa Downunder Conference in Perth today, Australia's High Commissioner in Pretoria, Mr Philip Green, said the 9% trend growth over the past five years between Australia and Africa was the strongest growth in Australia's trade with any region of the globe.

Australia mining investment in the African continent had been a cornerstone of that growth.

"Our mining investment in Africa is bringing both new vigour to these commercial relationships but also literally changing the landscape of the links between the two continents," Mr Green said.

"It is where the Federal Government can help as we know the decision-makers at the political levels in African states targeted for investment by Australian miners.

"These links can also act as an advocacy for increased good mining practice in line with the Australian way of mining," Mr Green said.

"Overall, Australia has in Africa a deservedly positive reputation in mining circles and this needs to be maintained."

Mr Green told delegates the Australian mining sector needed little reminder on anti-corruption laws in Australia which have extra-territorial effect "but pleasingly, those laws have not needed to be activated in relation to our mining activities in Africa".