The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has flagged off a strategic capacity-building programme for Nigerian mining professionals at Murdoch University, Australia. This initiative is part of a growing partnership between Nigeria and Australia, with support from the Commonwealth Government, aimed at bridging technical skill gaps in Nigeria’s mining sector.
The launch was led by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, marking a major milestone in the bilateral cooperation initiated during the 2023 Africa Down Under (ADU) Conference in Perth. There, a technical training agreement was reached with the Government of Western Australia, the Australian Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, and Murdoch University.
Supported by the Australian High Commission in Nigeria, the two-week pilot training brings together 11 Nigerian mining professionals. The programme covers key areas such as extractive metallurgy, sustainable geochemistry, mineral science research, and practical fieldwork, exposing participants to global industry standards, innovation, and sustainable mining practices.
At the official launch in Perth, Dr. Alake emphasized the importance of the collaboration:
> “This initiative reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to reposition Nigeria’s mining industry. I am particularly grateful to the Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Leilani Bin-Juda, and Murdoch University for their unwavering support. This partnership is vital to building a sustainable and inclusive mining sector in Nigeria.”
Dr. Alake encouraged participants to become champions of mining reform and advocates for responsible resource management upon their return to Nigeria. He noted that the programme is not only about skills acquisition, but about laying the groundwork for evidence-based policy and sectoral transformation.
Murdoch University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Deeks, welcomed the Nigerian team, highlighting the university’s commitment to global development through ethical and sustainable resource education.
> “This partnership reinforces the importance of international collaboration in building stronger resource industries and sharing knowledge that benefits both countries,” he said.
Western Australia’s Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Hon. David Michael, also welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed his state’s support for Nigeria’s mining development. During the programme, participants will be hosted by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety as part of a structured learning and exchange programme.
This training marks a crucial step in advancing Nigeria’s minerals sector through global best practices, technical knowledge transfer, and stronger diplomatic ties with leading mining nations.
