Australia strengthen mining ties with Nigeria
By Kunle Sanni
The Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Leilani Bin-Juda, has invited the Nigerian Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, to attend the prestigious Africa Down Under (ADU) conference, set to take place in Perth, Australia, from September 4th to 6th, 2024.
The invitation was extended during a courtesy visit by the High Commissioner to the minister on Tuesday, as revealed in a statement by Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development.
During the meeting, High Commissioner Bin-Juda briefed Minister Alake on the upcoming conference and highlighted the significant opportunities for bilateral engagements that the event could bring to Nigeria.
Australia, a global leader in the mining industry, is renowned for its abundant mineral resources and advanced mining technologies. It ranks among the top producers of critical minerals such as iron ore, coal, gold, and bauxite.
The discussions between Dr. Alake and High Commissioner Bin-Juda also explored potential opportunities for Nigerian professionals to participate in specialized short courses in mining offered by Australian institutions. These courses are designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of Nigerian experts, contributing to the development of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
A major focus of the conversation was the introduction of a new, free platform developed by Geoscience Australia, specifically designed for Africa. This innovative platform uses satellite data to monitor mining activities across the continent and provides high-quality training and real-time data access at no cost. The High Commissioner emphasized the platform’s potential to revolutionize how Nigeria manages and oversees its mining operations.
The High Commissioner, accompanied by the Second Secretary of the Australian High Commission, Anto Bouckley, reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening ties between Nigeria and Australia. She also expressed her intention to meet with Minister Alake again after the conference to continue discussions on enhancing collaboration between the two countries.
Minister Alake expressed his appreciation for the invitation and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening its relationship with Australia, particularly in the solid minerals sector.
