Nigerian Minister Secures Educational Opportunity for Mining Professionals
The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, has made a significant announcement regarding the opportunity for Nigerian professionals in the solid minerals sector to pursue further studies in Australia. This announcement was made during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Energy, Corrective Services, and Industrial Relations of the Government of Western Australia, Bill Johnston. Minister Alake expressed Nigeria’s keen interest in benefiting from Australia’s expertise in the modern mining industry development.
At the 21st Africa Down Under Mining Conference in Perth, Minister Alake underscored Australia’s extensive knowledge and skills in the mining sector. He emphasized the potential benefits for Nigeria in terms of training, study trips, and exchanges for mineral professionals, which align with Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to transform the mining sector. Additionally, Minister Alake discussed Nigeria’s initiatives to attract foreign direct investment, including the establishment of a solid minerals corporation and joint venture agreements with multinational mining companies.
Nigeria is home to diverse and abundant deposits of precious minerals such as lithium, gold, coal, lead, zinc, baryte, and iron ore. Minister Alake proposed a programme to enable Nigerian mining professionals to study modern mining technology and practices in Western Australia with the support of the government.
In response, Minister Johnston expressed gratitude for the courtesy visit and acknowledged the potential for amicable relations between the two countries. He pledged the government of Western Australia’s support for the transfer of knowledge and skills to Nigerian mining professionals, as well as sponsorship for mining experts to visit Nigeria and share their expertise.
Minister Johnston encouraged the Nigerian Minister to expedite the formalisation of the request to facilitate collaboration between the two countries. He also assured that both the public and private sectors in Western Australia are willing to support the initiative, demonstrating a keen interest in exploring opportunities for developing the mining sector in Africa.
This collaboration presents a significant opportunity for the Nigerian mining industry to benefit from the knowledge and experience of Australia, a global leader in the sector. With the support of the Government of Western Australia, Nigerian mining professionals will have the opportunity to enhance their expertise and contribute to the advancement of the solid minerals sector in Nigeria.
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