Extractives sector development assistance
Overview
The Australian Government has a long history of working with partner governments, multilateral and non-government organisations, universities and the private sector to maximise the development potential of extractives sectors. Our support enhances the capacity of governments in resource-rich developing countries in the Indo-Pacific region to make the most of their natural resources, and ensure benefits flow on to communities.
Below is an overview of global initiatives currently managed by DFAT. Additional information can be found on country and regional program pages.
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)
$6.75 million, 2011-2027
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is the global standard for the good governance of oil, gas and mineral resources. It is an international coalition of governments, multilateral organisations, companies and civil society that promotes greater transparency and accountability in the extractives sector and assists countries to manage their natural resources effectively.
Australia is a long-standing supporter of the EITI, providing $5 million in funding since in 2011–23. In 2024, Australia committed a further $1.75 million to support the EITI from 2024‑2027. This will help the EITI support our partner countries to improve extractives governance and transparency, strengthen public finance and revenue management, and build technical skills in the resources sector.
Countries implementing the EITI Standard disclose information along the extractive industry value chain. This information helps to strengthen public and corporate governance, promote understanding of natural resource management, and drive reforms for greater transparency and accountability in extractives sectors. As of October 2024 there are over 50 EITI-implementing countries including several countries in our region: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste.
Related link
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)
Energy Resources and Governance Initiative (ERGI) Academy
The Energy Resources and Governance Initiative (ERGI) Academy is an initiative established in 2019, and co-founded by Australia, Botswana, Canada, and Peru.
The ERGI Academy promotes sound mining sector governance, and resilient and secure energy mineral supply chains through capacity building training delivered by the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). The two-week course covers environmental, fiscal, social, legal, and regulatory issues complemented by site visits.
Since 2021, Australia has supported participation by Indonesia, Malaysia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, and Vietnam.
Related link
Energy Resources and Governance Initiative (ERGI) Academy
The Kimberley Process
The Kimberley Process is an international, multi-stakeholder trade regime with the goal of preventing the flow of ‘rough diamonds used to finance wars against governments’. Established in 2003, the Kimberley Process seeks to increase transparency and oversight of the diamond trade with government, industry and civil society participants that are committed to removing conflict diamonds from the global supply chain.
There are 56 participants representing 82 countries including Australia which has been a member of the Kimberley Process since 2003 and was Chair in 2017.
Related link
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights
The Voluntary Principles are a set of guidelines that provide a practical human rights framework for the security operations of companies in the natural resources and energy industries. They are a useful risk management tool that increases companies' competitiveness while advancing human rights. The Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI) is the multi-stakeholder organisation (comprised of governments, companies and non-government organisations) that actively promotes implementation of the Voluntary Principles as a global industry standard.
Australia joined the VPI in 2016 and was Chair of the VPI in 2020-21.
Related links
https://www.voluntaryprinciples.org/
* The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is committed to high standards of transparency and accountability in the management of the Australian aid program through publishing information on our website, including policies, plans, results, evaluations and research. Our practice is to publish documents after the partner government and any other partners directly involved in the delivery of the initiative have been consulted. Not all material published on this site is created by the Australian aid program and therefore not all documents reflect our views. In limited circumstances some information may be withheld for reasons including privacy and commercial sensitivity.