Nurturing the Next Generation of Mining Professionals for the Sustainable Growth of the Sector
The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has underscored the critical importance of nurturing younger professionals in the mining industry to ensure its sustained growth and advancement. During his keynote address at the annual conference of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), Dr. Alake, represented by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastral Office, Obadiah Nkom, urged for focused efforts in promoting mining sciences as a viable career choice for the youth in Nigeria.
As the principal professional and scientific organisation for mining and mineral processing engineers, metallurgists, and geoscientists, the NMGS plays a pivotal role in steering the future of the mining industry in Nigeria.
Dr. Alake stressed the necessity of raising awareness about the prospects in mining sciences among secondary school students and encouraged the NMGS to arrange educational activities and competitions to attract young individuals to pursue careers in this field. He emphasised the importance of providing guidance to students who are at a crossroads in selecting their career paths, as many may not be fully cognizant of the opportunities in geology and mining professions.
Moreover, the minister urged the NMGS to collaborate with the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency in disseminating new discoveries and insights to enhance the availability of accurate data for potential investors. According to him, this will facilitate informed decision-making and fortify the confidence of local and international investors in the mining sector.
Dr. Alake also lauded the invaluable contributions of mining engineers and geologists in the domains of exploration and extraction, underscoring their indispensable role in addressing the challenges linked with mining operations. He acknowledged the imperative to fortify the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency as a reputable repository of data that garners respect from investors and financiers, both domestically and internationally.
Additionally, the minister urged mining professionals to continuously enhance their skills and knowledge to gain recognition on the global platform. He highlighted the significance of aligning the technical reporting standards with the Pan-African Reporting Code developed by the African Minerals Development Centre to enhance the credibility and dependability of scientific reports within the industry.
In conclusion, Dr. Alake’s advocacy for the cultivation of a new generation of mining professionals underscores the importance of investing in the future sustainability of the sector. Through a united effort to engage and motivate young minds, in conjunction with the cooperation of industry experts and regulatory bodies, the mining industry in Nigeria can strive towards a more resilient and prosperous future.
