Nigeria’s solid minerals sector is set to benefit from a significant collaboration with Australia, as the Australian government offers specialised training to Nigerian professionals in the industry. This initiative was announced by the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Leilani Bin-Juda, during her visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, in Abuja.
The High Commissioner highlighted that the partnership aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of Nigerian experts, contributing to the growth and development of the nation’s solid minerals sector.
During her visit, Bin-Juda also extended a formal invitation to Dr. Alake for the upcoming “African Down Under (ADU) Conference” in Perth, Australia, scheduled for 4th to 6th September 2024. “I am here to extend 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,” she stated.
She further emphasised Australia’s prominent role in the global mining industry, noting, “Australia is renowned for its abundant mineral resources and advanced mining technologies, ranking among the top producers of key minerals such as iron ore, coal, gold, and bauxite. Australia is a critical player in the global mining industry.”
The High Commissioner also introduced a new, free platform developed by Geoscience Australia, designed specifically for Africa. “The innovative platform leverages satellite data to track and monitor mining activities across the continent, offering free, high-quality training and real-time data access,” she explained. This platform is expected to revolutionise Nigeria’s approach to managing and overseeing its mining operations.
Accompanied by Anto Bouckley, the Second Secretary of the Australian High Commission, Bin-Juda reiterated her commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations and promised to visit Dr. Alake again after the conference to solidify the ongoing collaboration.
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.
