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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Minister of Solid Minerals,Dele Alake in Perth, Australia, proposed a programme to enable Nigerian mining professionals to study modern mining technology and practices in Western Australia with the government’s support.
Alake, while presenting the request acknowledged the progress achieved by the Australian government in mineral development.
According to the statement released by the ministry’s deputy director of press,Alaba Balogun ,the Minister made this request when he led the Nigerian delegation to the 21st Africa Down Under Mining Conference held in Perth.
Alake noted that Australia had acquired a lot of knowledge and skills in developing its modern mining industry, adding that Nigerians will benefit from training, study trips and exchanges of mineral professionals in its current effort to transform the sector.
He said Nigeria 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.
The Minister further informed the Australian minister that Nigeria has vast deposits of precious minerals, including lithium, gold, coal, lead, zinc, baryte and iron ore.
Responding, Hon.Johnston appreciated the courtesy visit of the Minister of Solid Minerals and his delegation remarked that the meeting would pave the way for cordial relations.
Accepting the proposal, Hon 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 so both could 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, Mr.Martins Imonitie, Investment Banker from
ANZ Bank, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals, Dr.Mary Ogbe, Special Adviser to the Minister, Hon.Kehinde Bamigbetan, Director, Mining Cadastral Office, Engr.Nkom Obadiah and Technical Assistant to the Minister, Mrs.Chinemerem Nwaka.
