3 days Ago By NewsDirect
Nigeria and South Africa have formalised a new partnership aimed at revitalising mining cooperation between both countries, with a strong focus on investment, technical expertise, and technology transfer.The agreement, set out in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was signed on Wednesday in Abuja by Dr Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, and Mr Gwede Mantashe, South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy.According to a statement issued by Alake’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, the MoU is part of a broader effort to reinforce bilateral relations under the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission framework.
The document outlines specific areas of collaboration, with clearly defined timelines for joint projects and cooperative engagements in the mining sector. Both countries are seeking to translate the agreement into tangible gains by promoting knowledge sharing and joint technical undertakings.“Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to regular engagement aimed at strengthening intra-African trade and following through on the agreed initiatives,” Tomori stated.
There is particular optimism on both sides that this renewed partnership will bolster the mining industries of the two nations through shared innovations and the pooling of technical knowledge.The agreement includes targeted initiatives such as capacity building in geological techniques that incorporate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as the application of spectral remote sensing technology for mineral exploration and mapping.Other key components include the exchange of geoscientific data through the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency, specialist training in mineral processing, and efforts to enhance value addition in mineral development.
The MoU also supports capacity building in advanced techniques like elemental fingerprinting using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), alongside plans for collaborative exploration of agro-minerals and energy minerals within Nigeria.Dr Alake said the agreement marked a significant milestone in regional cooperation, noting that the joint effort has the potential to advance industrialisation, generate employment, and foster sustainable economic growth across the continent.“This agreement covering geology, mining, and mineral processing is expected to open up new pathways for exchanging technical know-how, attracting investment, and supporting deeper regional integration,” he said.
Alake reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to transforming its mining industry, positioning it as a pillar of economic diversification. He stressed that the country stood to benefit from South Africa’s depth of experience and technological advancement in mineral resource development.“The synergy between Nigeria’s rich mineral endowment and South Africa’s mining expertise will serve both countries well.
It will stimulate investment, develop critical skills, and position mining as a key driver of Nigeria’s long-term economic stability,” he concluded.The post Nigeria, South Africa sign landmark mining deal appeared first on Nigerian NewsDirect..
