The Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Her Excellency Leilani Bin-Juda, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake to enhance Nigeria-Australia relations in the mining sector.
The visit underscores the strengthening ties between both nations, particularly in the area of solid minerals development.
During the meeting, the High Commissioner extended a formal invitation to Dr. Alake to attend the prestigious African Down Under (ADU) conference, scheduled to take place in Perth, Australia, from the 4th to the 6th of September 2024. The ADU conference is a key event in the global mining calendar, offering a platform for African and Australian stakeholders to explore mutual benefits in the sector.
In a press release by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, it was revealed that the High Commissioner briefed Dr. Alake on the upcoming conference and the immense opportunities it presents. Australia, known for its abundant mineral resources and advanced mining technologies, is a leading global producer of key minerals such as iron ore, coal, gold, and bauxite. The conference will provide a valuable opportunity for bilateral discussions that could bring significant benefits to Nigeria.
A notable aspect of their discussions was the potential for Nigerian professionals to benefit from short courses in mining, hosted by Australian institutions. These courses aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of Nigerian experts, thereby advancing the development of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
Another key point of discussion was the introduction of a new, free platform developed by Geoscience Australia, designed specifically for Africa. This innovative platform leverages satellite data to track and monitor mining activities across the continent, offering free, high-quality training and real-time data access. The High Commissioner emphasized the transformative potential of this platform in revolutionizing Nigeria’s mining operations.
HE Leilani Bin-Juda, who was accompanied by the Second Secretary of the Australian High Commission, His Excellency Anto Bouckley, reiterated her commitment to fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and Australia. She also expressed her intention to visit Dr. Alake again after the conference, signaling ongoing collaboration and partnership.
In response, Dr. Alake expressed his gratitude for the invitation and reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen its relationship with Australia, particularly in the solid minerals sector.
