Revolutionising the Mining Sector: Dr. Alake’s Vision for Women Empowerment
The mining industry has historically been dominated by men, however, Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), is committed to changing this. During a recent virtual address at the International Women’s Day Forum 2024, Dr. Alake reaffirmed the continent’s dedication to providing women with the necessary skills to actively participate in the mining sector value chain.
Dr. Alake expressed his admiration for the Women Miners Association for shedding light on the progress and challenges faced by women in the mining industry. He emphasised the significance of investing in the development of women for leadership in the industry and governance, underlining the importance of inclusivity and progressive transformation.
Under Dr. Alake’s leadership, the African Minerals Strategy Group is devoted to empowering women with the appropriate skills to engage in all aspects of the mining sector. This encompasses access to technical training, initial financial support for women entrepreneurs in mining, and the inclusion of women in leadership roles within regulatory agencies.
Furthermore, Dr. Alake disclosed plans for the AMSG to carry out annual assessments of Africa’s advancement in these areas and publish findings on subsequent International Women’s Day. This initiative aims to monitor and report on the progress and obstacles faced by women in the mining industry.
In addition to gender equality, Dr. Alake stressed the importance of value addition in the mining sector. He urged African Ministers of Mining to implement policies that discourage the export of raw materials and instead promote the industrial processing of minerals into semi-finished goods for export. This strategic shift aims to elevate the quality of commerce by offering more value and, in turn, providing more jobs and fostering capital formation within the mining industry.
Dr. Alake was elected as the Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group during the “Invest in African Mining Indaba” in South Africa. The AMSG, comprised of African Ministers of Solid Minerals/Mineral Resources, is dedicated to championing value addition and maximum beneficiation from the continent’s vast mineral resources for the development of member countries.
In summary, Dr. Alake’s vision for women’s empowerment and value addition in the mining sector is a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and economic growth. By equipping women with the relevant skills and promoting value addition, the mining industry in Africa is poised to undergo a revolutionary transformation.
Segun Tomori
Special Assistant (Media)
Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development.
