South Africa and Nigeria Form Mining Cooperation Pact

South Africa and Nigeria signed a MoU to enhance mining cooperation, focusing on investment, technology sharing, and joint exploration in the mining sector. The deal also includes data exchange and training initiatives.

South Africa and Nigeria have entered into a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at bolstering their cooperation in the mining sector. This agreement, signed in Abuja, brings together South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, and Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake.

Falling under the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission, the MoU focuses on investment, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer. It seeks to enhance collaboration particularly in advanced technologies like drone surveillance and spectral remote sensing for geological mapping.

The deal also facilitates the sharing of crucial geoscientific data between Nigeria’s Geological Survey Agency and South Africa’s Council for Geoscience. Moreover, it lays out plans for various training programs centred on mineral processing and local capacity building, including sophisticated techniques such as Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry.

Other than investment and technology, the agreement looks to initiate joint exploration ventures centred around agro-minerals and energy minerals specifically in Nigeria. This multi-faceted approach aims to significantly boost resource extraction and utilisation in both countries.

In summary, South Africa and Nigeria’s new MoU marks a significant step toward collaborative progress in the mining sector. With a focus on investment, technology transfer, and training, both nations aim to enhance their mining capabilities. Joint efforts in exploration of agro-minerals and energy minerals further indicate a strategic partnership that could lead to increased economic benefits for both parties.

Original Source: energycapitalpower.com