Dr Max de Vietri has over 40 years’ experience in mining, petroleum exploration and production in over 50 countries including 26 years based in Africa. Dr de Vietri's association with Africa began when he worked in Burkina Faso between 1978 and 1981. Raised in France before migrating to Australia, his native language skills have stood him in good stead particularly when he’s been based in French speaking African locations. Dr de Vietri was involved in, or responsible for, major mineral and petroleum discoveries in Africa as well as in South America, Australia and SE Asia and has managed projects from country entry, through mining and petroleum production, to country exit. He has also served on the boards of listed and private petroleum and mineral companies. In 2005, Dr de Vietri founded Baraka Petroleum and listed it on the Australian Securities Exchange, was managing director and subsequently became non-executive chair until he resigned in 2009 to pursue further full-time studies. Baraka Petroleum was focused on the West African countries of Mauritania and Mali where large acreage tracts were held. His pioneering efforts precipitated a petroleum rush of major and junior companies to explore in those countries. In 2006, Dr de Vietri was honoured with the award of Officer of the Order of National Merit for the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, acknowledging his efforts in championing Mauritania’s resources potential. Postgraduate research studies in international affairs beginning in 2008, together with his international experience, reinforced his interest in the social and political impact of natural resource projects on emerging countries, and especially West African states. Dr de Vietri was Consul for the Republic of Mali in Perth from mid-2005 to April 2016. The experience helped him formulate the concept of establishing African Geopolitics in 2012, aimed at assisting in the development of economic projects, fruitful for both commercial venturers and African governments with a vision of improving the economic development of African states for the wellbeing of their people. Dr de Vietri has a Bachelor of Science in Applied Geology from the University of NSW and a Graduate Diploma of Business from Curtin University of Technology. In 2010, he was awarded a Master in International Relations, and a PhD in Social Science and International Studies awarded in 2015 on the Chancellor’s commendation from Curtin University.
