The Nigerian and South African governments held a high-level meeting on April 16, 2025, to enhance cooperation in the mining sector. This event was part of the Nigeria–South Africa Technical Working Visit focusing on geology, mining, and mineral processing, hosted at Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Abuja. Key officials included Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, and South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Gwede Mantashe.

In his address, Alake noted the strong historical ties between the two countries and their roles as Africa’s largest economies. He highlighted the need for strategic partnerships in mining to boost industrial transformation on the continent. He asserted that collaboration can help bridge technology and infrastructure gaps in Africa’s mineral resource management.

Alake revealed plans for a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in geology and mineral processing. This agreement is set to promote technology transfer, investment, capacity building, and value addition to minerals prior to export. He pointed out Nigeria’s wealth in critical minerals and the benefits of South Africa’s experienced mining sector.

Minister Gwede Mantashe acknowledged Nigeria’s mineral potential, citing over 40 different minerals across the nation. Although only coal and iron ore attract investment, Mantashe urged leveraging South Africa’s advanced mining capabilities for Nigeria’s benefit. He identified three major issues hindering Nigeria’s mining development: limited government participation, an overreliance on oil and gas, and inadequate power supply.

Mantashe proposed collaboration between South African and Nigerian agencies to foster skills development and invest in mineral processing. He suggested joint ventures could enhance resource assessments and promote sustainable mining practices. Furthermore, he recommended exchanges between regulatory bodies to improve governance and environmental practices.

The meeting concluded with strong commitments from both nations to develop the mining sectors, create local industries, and generate job opportunities. Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, reinforced the importance of building enduring partnerships through joint ventures and capacity building. The gathering is seen as a step towards a strategic alliance that benefits both Nigeria and South Africa while unlocking mineral wealth on the continent.

The meeting between Nigeria and South Africa marks a significant step toward collaboration in the mining sector. Both nations are committed to enhancing cooperation through a planned memorandum of understanding, focusing on investment, technology transfer, and capacity building. By combining resources and expertise, they aim to transform Africa’s mineral wealth into economic growth and sustainable development, benefiting both countries and the continent as a whole.

Original Source: sciencenigeria.com

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Nigeria and South Africa are enhancing their bilateral relations with a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by their Ministers of Solid Minerals Development. The MoU aims to promote collaboration in the mining sector, reflecting recent efforts to solidify ties through the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission inaugurated by Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Cyril Ramaphosa.

The MoU was established during a bilateral meeting in Abuja between Nigeria’s Dele Alake and South Africa’s Gwede Mantashe. Alake highlighted the historical cooperation based on mutual respect and a shared vision for Africa’s development, emphasizing the mining sector’s potential to drive industrialisation and job creation.

He pointed out that the MoU will facilitate technology transfer, investment promotion, and value addition. Nigeria’s focus on developing its mining industry can benefit from South Africa’s expertise in the field, fostering investment, skill development, and economic diversification.

Mantashe acknowledged that South Africa could profit from Nigeria’s heightened interest in mining, aiming to refine agreements from their Bi-National Commission to enhance joint projects. Both ministers pledged to maintain engagement and collaborate to advance intra-African trade, confident that their partnership will significantly benefit their respective mining sectors.

Key highlights of the MoU include:
1. Capacity building in geological applications with UAVs.
2. Use of Multi- and Hyper-spectral Remote Sensing Technologies.
3. Sharing geoscientific data on strategic minerals via the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency.
4. Training on mineral processing and value addition.
5. Capacity building on Elemental Fingerprint Technology using LA-ICP-MS.
6. Exploration of agricultural and energy minerals in Nigeria.

The signing of the MoU between Nigeria and South Africa marks a significant advancement in their mining sector collaboration. By focusing on capacity building, technology transfer, and exploration, both countries aim to unlock the vast potential of their mineral resources, benefiting their economies and enhancing trade within Africa.

Original Source: von.gov.ng

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The Nigerian Senate has welcomed a Chinese delegation, granting legislative support for a $500 million investment in the solid minerals sector. This investment aims to reduce Nigeria’s oil dependency and fully utilise its mineral wealth.

Mr. Chen Twan of the Zong Hong Kotai Group outlined plans for mining activities in Zamfara, Kebbi, and Nasarawa. The project could see further investment up to $1 billion if initial operations are successful, given the potential of Nigeria’s mineral deposits.

Senator Onawo Mohammed Ogoshi assured the delegation of necessary legal frameworks to protect their investment, highlighting the importance of attracting more foreign investors. Senator Mohammed Alero noted the investment aligns with Nigeria’s agenda for economic diversification away from oil.

Mr. Adamuta, Managing Director of Exterdam Exploration, confirmed thorough due diligence by the Chinese group over two years, which included reviews in China. The investment also includes plans for developing industrial parks, promising job creation.

Overall, this collaboration enhances international confidence in Nigeria’s mining sector and could provide a model for future non-oil investments, marking a significant development for the nation’s economy.

The Nigerian Senate’s support for the $500 million Chinese investment represents a pivotal moment for the country’s mining sector, aiming to decrease oil reliance. The collaboration could lead to further foreign investments and significant job opportunities, showcasing Nigeria’s potential in diversifying its economy through solid minerals.

Original Source: www.tvcnews.tv

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