Nigeria partners Australia to train Mining Experts

In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s mining industry, the Federal Government has launched an intensive technical training programme for mining professionals, in collaboration with the Australian and Commonwealth governments.

The initiative was officially flagged off by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, at Murdoch University in Western Australia. It signals the beginning of a strategic bilateral partnership designed to close Nigeria’s technical skills gap in solid mineral exploration and development.

Supported by the Australian Government and the Australian High Commission in Nigeria, the two-week pilot programme will train eleven Nigerian professionals in areas such as extractive metallurgy, sustainable geochemistry, and mineral science research. The programme also includes field excursions and interactions with top experts in mining operations, sustainability, and investment.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Alake described the training as a milestone achievement stemming from the 2023 Africa Down Under Conference in Perth, where a bilateral agreement was signed with the Government of Western Australia and Murdoch University.

“This training marks a major leap forward in our commitment to developing a technically proficient workforce,” he said. “I am deeply grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, and to the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Leilani Bin-Juda, whose efforts were instrumental in making this happen.”

Dr. Alake also commended the leadership of Murdoch University for their commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the mining sector. He urged the trainees to embrace the opportunity and return home equipped to influence policy and reform in Nigeria’s extractive industry.

“Let this be the beginning of a transformation—not just for you, but for millions of Nigerians who will benefit from a more efficient and transparent mining sector,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Murdoch University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Deeks, said the programme aligns with the university’s mission to deliver impactful, ethical, and globally inclusive education.

“This collaboration demonstrates the power of international partnerships in solving global challenges,” Deeks noted. “The Commonwealth Government’s support highlights the value of shared knowledge and development.”

The Nigerian delegation was also received by Western Australia’s Minister for Mines and Petroleum, David Michael, who pledged continued support. He announced that the state’s Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety would host the Nigerian participants, offering hands-on exposure to best practices in mining.

This training initiative is part of Nigeria’s broader effort to revitalize its solid minerals sector and promote sustainable economic development through strategic global partnerships.

Editing by Daniel Adejo