Nigeria and South Africa have signed an MoU to enhance cooperation in mining, aiming for increased industrialisation and job creation. The pact focuses on technology transfer, capacity building, and sharing geoscientific data, with ambitions for income and economic diversification for both countries.
Nigeria and South Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in the mining sector. This agreement is a significant milestone in the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission’s initiatives and was formalised in a meeting in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources, H.E. Gwede Mantashe.
Dr. Alake highlighted the historical and economic ties rooted in mutual respect, noting the potential for the mining collaboration to create jobs, foster industrialisation, and contribute to sustainable growth in Africa. He stated that the MoU focuses on areas such as technology transfer, investment promotion, and regional integration, envisioning substantial benefits for both nations.
Key features of the MoU include:
– Capacity building using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
– Use of Multi- and Hyper-spectral Remote Sensing for mineral exploration
– Sharing geoscientific data via the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA)
– Training on mineral processing and value addition
– Capacity building on Elemental Fingerprint Technology using LA-ICP-MS
– Exploration of Agro and Energy minerals in Nigeria.
Dr. Alake stressed Nigeria’s commitment to revitalising its mining sector, highlighting the potential for South African expertise to leverage Nigeria’s mineral wealth for mutual economic benefit. Minister Mantashe expressed that South Africa stands to gain from Nigeria’s mining revitalisation and aimed to solidify agreements that benefit both countries.
The MoU signing included various officials from both countries, ensuring a collaborative commitment to boost intra-African trade and operationalise actionable steps delineated in the agreement. Both ministers expressed optimism that this partnership would significantly elevate the mining industries in their respective nations.
The MoU between Nigeria and South Africa signifies a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing collaboration in the mining sector, fostering knowledge transfer, and driving economic growth. Both countries aim to leverage their respective strengths to spur industrialisation, job creation, and investment opportunities. A shared commitment to revitalising the mining industry indicates a focused approach towards development and collaboration in Africa.
Original Source: guardian.ng