Nigeria and South Africa have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in the mining sector. This agreement was established during a meeting between Dele Alake, Nigeria’s minister of solid minerals development, and Gwede Mantashe, South Africa’s minister of mineral resources, in Abuja. The MoU details collaboration areas with implementation timelines, reinforcing the partnership forged through the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission established by Presidents Bola Tinubu and Cyril Ramaphosa.

Key components of the MoU include:
– Capacity building in geological applications with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
– Use of multi- and hyperspectral remote sensing technologies for mineral exploration
– Sharing geo-scientific data on strategic minerals via the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA)
– Training in mineral processing and adding value
– Capacity building in elemental fingerprint technology using LA-ICP-MS
– Exploration of agro and energy minerals in Nigeria.

Alake described this achievement as a significant milestone in improving bilateral relations, particularly in mining. He noted the historical ties and mutual respect that underpin Nigeria and South Africa’s long-standing diplomatic and economic partnerships aimed at Africa’s development.

He stated that collaboration in mining offers substantial possibilities for industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable growth on the continent. Alake highlighted the MoU as pivotal for knowledge transfer, investment promotion, regional integration, and value addition. He expressed Nigeria’s determination to enhance its mining sector while leveraging South Africa’s expertise.

Mantashe expressed that South Africa, heavily reliant on mining, could gain from Nigeria’s renewed interest in this sector. His visit was to refine previous agreements and reinforce cooperation on joint projects. Both ministers confirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration to enhance intra-African trade, which will support the objectives outlined in the MoU.

This signing event was attended by key officials, such as Shuaibu Audu, minister of steel development, and permanent secretaries from both solid minerals and steel development ministries, alongside members of the South African delegation led by Mantashe.

The MoU between Nigeria and South Africa signifies a critical step towards enhancing collaboration in the mining sector, focusing on capacity building and technology transfer. Key areas include mineral exploration, shared data, and training initiatives. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to use this partnership to drive industrialisation and sustainable growth, benefiting their economies and intra-African trade.

Original Source: www.thecable.ng

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