In a significant move to deepen bilateral ties and unlock shared potential within the mining industry, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Republic of South Africa convened a high-level meeting aimed at enhancing collaboration in geology, mining and mineral processing.
The meeting, which formed part of the Nigeria – South Africa Technical Working Visit on Mining Sector Cooperation, took place on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the headquarters of Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Abuja.
Leading the South African delegation was the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe. Representing Nigeria were the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake and the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu. The gathering brought together senior officials, technical experts and representatives from both countries, all focused on expanding collaboration in mining and related sectors.
In his welcome address, Alake highlighted the longstanding diplomatic and economic relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, which he described as rooted in mutual respect, shared values and a collective vision for the continent’s economic growth. He emphasised that as the two largest economies in Africa, Nigeria and South Africa are uniquely positioned to lead the continent in industrial transformation through strategic mining partnerships.
“Our engagement today, themed ‘Enhancing Cooperation in Geology, Mining and Mineral Processing,’ is not only timely but also critically important,” Alake stated. “Despite Africa’s vast endowment with mineral resources, the continent has not fully harnessed its potential due to gaps in technology, infrastructure and value addition.”
He went on to stress that the collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa presents a powerful opportunity to bridge those gaps. By combining South Africa’s advanced mining capabilities with Nigeria’s abundant mineral reserves, the two nations can unlock new avenues for investment, foster skill development and promote economic diversification.
“Nigeria is undergoing a major transformation in the mining sector under the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu,” the minister said. “Our focus is on building an enabling environment that supports responsible mining, encourages both domestic and international investment, and ensures that our resources are utilised for national development.”
Alake announced plans for a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two nations in the areas of geology, mining and mineral processing. The MoU is expected to facilitate several areas of cooperation, including knowledge and technology transfer, investment promotion, capacity building, regional integration in line with the African Mining Vision and value addition to raw minerals before export.
He emphasised that South Africa’s globally recognised mining industry serves as a model from which Nigeria stands to benefit significantly. Nigeria, he noted, is eager to showcase its wealth in critical minerals such as lithium, gold, tin, baryte and rare earth elements.
“This partnership represents a unique opportunity to position both Nigeria and South Africa as leaders in sustainable mineral development across the continent,” he said. “Our discussions must be guided by the principles of mutual benefit, shared prosperity, and environmental responsibility.”
On his part, South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and commended the Nigerian government for its commitment to revitalising the mining sector. He explained that the meeting was a follow-up to decisions reached during the 11th session of the South Africa – Nigeria Bi-National Commission (BNC) held on December 3, 2024, in Cape Town.
Mantashe recognised Nigeria’s enormous mineral potential, with over 40 different types of minerals located in more than 500 sites across all 36 states. However, he noted that only coal and iron ore currently attract significant investment, while other minerals remain largely untapped.
He attributed the underdevelopment of the sector to three primary issues: limited government participation and direction in mining policy, an overreliance on oil and gas as the dominant revenue-generating sector, and inadequate power supply needed to support industrial-scale mining operations.
“South Africa has a well-established and highly advanced mining industry, and we believe this experience can be leveraged to support Nigeria’s development in this area,” Mantashe said. “By working together, we can create opportunities for capacity building, technology transfer and expanded investment in mineral processing and beneficiation.”
He pointed to several South African state-owned enterprises – such as Mintek, Transnet and the Council for Geoscience (CGS) – as potential partners with Nigerian agencies, including the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), in key initiatives like geological exploration and resource mapping.
“Joint ventures between CGS and NGSA could enable more comprehensive resource assessments and encourage sustainable exploration practices. This would attract further investment and improve resource management in Nigeria’s mining sector,” he explained.
Mantashe also emphasised the importance of skills development and knowledge exchange. He proposed that South Africa’s mining training institutions, including the Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC) and CGS, collaborate with Nigeria to implement technical training programmes, exchange schemes and joint research projects.
“Strengthening human capital in Nigeria’s mining sector will not only increase productivity but also ensure more responsible and environmentally sound mining practices,” he said.
Another focal point of cooperation, according to the minister, is investment in mineral processing and value addition. South Africa’s successful model of transforming raw minerals into higher-value products could help Nigeria transition from being a mere exporter of raw materials to a producer of finished goods.
“By establishing mineral processing partnerships through entities like Mintek and CGS, we can foster the growth of local industries and generate significant employment opportunities in both our countries,” Mantashe noted.
He further emphasised the role of regulatory and policy alignment. He proposed the initiation of exchange programs between South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and Nigeria’s Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to strengthen governance, licensing procedures and environmental safeguards.
“Strengthening cooperation between our two nations will yield immense economic rewards and contribute to the broader goals of sustainable mining and industrialization across Africa,” Mantashe concluded.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Nigeria’s Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu described the meeting as an important milestone in the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa. He stated that the engagement provided a valuable platform for strategic alignment, technical collaboration, and mutual understanding in the mining and steel sectors.
Prince Audu emphasised Nigeria’s eagerness to deepen the partnership through sustained capacity building, joint ventures and technology exchange that would help transform Nigeria’s mineral resources into engines of economic growth.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s deputy director of press and public relations, Kania Andeyaba it was confirmed that the meeting was attended by other members of the South African delegation, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe; the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Chris Isokpunwu, and several directors and senior officials from both ministries.
The meeting marked a renewed chapter in Nigeria–South Africa relations and laid the groundwork for a deeper, more strategic alliance focused on unlocking Africa’s vast mineral wealth in ways that benefit both nations and the continent at large.
