A pioneering initiative to set up an African Mineral Resource Classification (AMREC) system based on the United Nations Frameworks Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Reserves and Resources (UNFC) is now underway. Spearheaded by the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), AMREC is the continental framework that will harmonize, adapt, and develop the UNFC according to the principles of the Africa Mining Vision (AMV).

The workshop that will bring about the establishment of AMREC will be held in Egypt from October 2-6, 2017. The meeting is set to bring together professionals from African extractive industries and international experts in resource classification. The meeting is also expected to:

• encourage robust discussion and proposals in harmonizing, adapting, implementing, and developing unifying system for the classification and reporting of fossil energy and mineral reserves and resources in Africa based on the UNFC;
• frame the requirements of developing detailed guidance for application of UNFC in Africa in line with the requirements of AMV;
• set up modalities for the setting up of Pan African Competent Person system, including the elaboration of a training programme;
• reach out to functional professional bodies in mineral, petroleum and renewable industries in Africa for collaborations on the proposed activities.