Boosting the Future of Mining: Minister Calls for New Generation of Experts
The annual conference of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) was graced by a compelling keynote address from The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake. In his address, Dr. Alake emphasized the crucial role of nurturing a new generation of mining experts to ensure the sustained development of the nation’s mining industry.
The minister urged the NMGS to intensify efforts in enlightening secondary school students about the vast opportunities and benefits of pursuing careers in mining sciences. He stressed the influential role of educators and career advisors in shaping the career choices of students and called for targeted awareness programmes and activities to showcase the advantages of professions in the mining sector.
Engr. Obadiah Nkom, director-general of the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO), represented Dr. Alake and lauded the invaluable contributions of mining engineers and geologists in the essential areas of exploration and extraction. He emphasized the pivotal role played by these professionals, without which mining operations would be significantly hindered.
Dr. Alake urged the NMGS to establish a collaborative partnership with the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) in sharing new discoveries to enhance the agency’s role as a reliable source of precise data for potential investors in the mining sector. He stressed the consolidation of the NGSA as a leading repository of accurate data is vital in attracting both local and international investors and financiers to the sector.
Furthermore, Dr. Alake emphasized the importance of honing expertise and knowledge to earn global recognition and implementing technical tools essential for the advancement of the scientific reporting system in compliance with the Pan-African Reporting Code (PARC) developed by the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC).
In conclusion, the minister’s passionate appeal serves as a rallying call for the mining industry to invest in the development of the next generation of experts, aligning with the global standards and best practices in scientific reporting. The cultivation of young talents and the collaboration between professional bodies and government agencies are crucial steps towards the sustainable growth and transformation of the mining sector.
