FG hails Australian government’s partnership in mining sector

The Federal Government has commended the Australian government for its strategic partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in developing the Nigerian mining sector.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, gave the commendation Monday, at the opening session of a two-day capacity building workshop organised by the Australian High Commission in collaboration with the ministry in Abuja.

Speaking through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mohammed Abbas, the Minister noted that Nigeria and Australia have enjoyed a long history of commercial, cultural and diplomatic links built up over the years.

He noted that the two countries, had in 2002 signed a Memorandum of Understanding covering political economic, commercial, scientific and cultural cooperation, adding that both countries are active members of the Commonwealth and have numerous instances of high-level cooperation on issues of regional, global and geo strategic significance.

Fayemi appreciated the tremendous support received from the High Commission during the last African Down Under (ADU) International Mining Conference in Perth, early in September, 2016.

The Minister stated that the significance of the workshop with the theme “Policy and Capacity Building Workshop for a Successful and Sustainable Mining Sector” is to provide information on leading practice from Australia on building a sustainable mining sector for Nigeria.

He enjoined participants to take advantage of the workshop to share ideas and exchange experiences to develop their areas of expertise in enhancing the mineral exploration and mining sector in the country.

In an opening remark the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Lehmann said the capacity building workshop in the mining sector is a demonstration of cooperation between Nigeria and Australia.

Mr. Lehmann said two experts from the Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum were in Nigeria to conduct a workshop for Nigerian mining officials on building a sustainable mining sector for the country. The workshop is an avenue for sharing experiences, ideas and knowledge in the industry between the two countries and a tangible and practical demonstration of what Nigeria and Australia can do together. He said he is happy that the Ministry is giving full support for the programme.