Nigerian professionals in the solid minerals sector will soon travel to Australia for more studies, thanks to a deal brokered on Wednesday in Perth, Australia by the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake.
Presenting the request to Western Australia’s Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Energy; Hydrogen Industry; and Industrial Relations, Hon. Bill Johnston, on a courtesy visit, Alake acknowledged the progress achieved by the government in mineral development.
Alake, who led the Nigerian delegation to the 21st Africa Down Under Mining Conference held in Perth, said Australia had acquired a lot of knowledge and skills in developing its modern mining industry, adding that Nigerians would benefit from training, study trips and exchanges of mineral professionals in its current effort to transform the sector.
He said the Nigerian government had launched a roadmap to attract foreign direct investment by investing in big data on minerals and the quantum of their deposits, forming a solid minerals corporation and joint venture agreements with multinationals in mining to enable the sector to compete globally.
Alake informed his host that Nigeria has vast deposits of precious minerals, including lithium, gold, coal, lead, zinc, baryte and iron ore.
He proposed a programme enabling Nigerian mining professionals to study modern mining technology and practices in Western Australia with the government’s support.
Responding, Johnston appreciated the courtesy visit by the Nigerian minister and his delegation and said that the meeting would pave the way for cordial relations.
Accepting the proposal, Johnston said the government of Western Australia would support the transfer of knowledge and skills to mining professionals from Nigeria and sponsor mining experts to visit Nigeria to impart knowledge.
He urged the minister to make a formal request as soon as possible to enable parties work together to realise the goal.
He promised to mobilise the public and private sectors to support the initiative, as many companies are willing to explore opportunities for developing the mining sector in Africa.
Other members of the delegation were the Nigerian High Commissioner to Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, Ambassador Anderson Madubike; Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs. Mercy Clement; Investment Banker from ANZ Bank, Mr.Martins Imonitie; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Solid Minerals, Dr. Mary Ogbe; Special Adviser to the Minister, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan; Director of Mining Cadastral Office, Engr. Nkom Obadiah; and Technical Assistant to the Minister, Mrs. Chinemerem Nwaka.
