Ambassadors

Dr Rokhaya Samba DIENE is a geologist and mining sector specialist with extensive experience in geology, mineral resource governance and public administration. She holds a Doctorate in Applied Geology from Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (UCAD), having graduated as a Geological Engineer from the Institute of Earth Sciences in Dakar in 1993. She also specialised in Public Administration of Mines (CESAM) at the École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Paris and holds an Executive MBA in Advanced Finance and Management from the West African Polytechnic University (UPOA) in Dakar. Dr DIENE has undertaken further specialised training in mineral resource governance, including Regulation and Management of Mineral Resources at Curtin University in Western Australia in 2011, and Mining Policy and Commercial Contract Negotiations at the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP) in 2012. Throughout her career within Senegal’s Ministry of Mines and Geology, she has held several senior positions, including Director of Geology; Director of Prospecting and Mining Promotion; Head of the Documentation and Mining Cadastre Centre; Chief of the Mines and Quarries Division; and Head of the Regional Mines and Geology Service in Dakar. At the continental and industry level, Dr DIENE is the outgoing President of the Organisation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS), President of the Senegal-Australia Alumni Association (SEN3A), and a Board Member of Women in Mining Senegal (WIM Senegal). She has also coordinated six editions of the Senegal International Mining Exhibition (SIM Senegal). Her career combines technical expertise in geology with extensive experience in mining governance, policy, investment promotion and mineral sector development.