The outgoing State Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Peter Lokeris, has issued a call for African nations to embrace a unified continental geoscientific database. This initiative, according to Dr. Lokeris, is crucial for tapping into Africa’s vast mineral resources. Speaking in Entebbe, he emphasized the importance of collaboration and excellence in geology, echoing the ethos of Pan African Geology (PanAfGeo).
Dr. Lokeris made these remarks while addressing geoscientists from more than twenty African countries who had just completed a refresher training course in geoscientific mapping in Kabale district.
He stressed the necessity of equipping geoscientists with the requisite skills to unlock Africa’s mineral potential effectively. Through comprehensive field geoscientific mapping, these professionals can identify areas rich in mineral deposits. Dr. Lokeris emphasized the importance of creating a database accessible to potential investors, streamlining the process of mineral exploration and facilitating economic development and employment opportunities.
Highlighting the potential benefits, Dr. Lokeris pointed out that the discovery of minerals would generate employment opportunities in sectors such as refinery and transportation. He underscored the importance of initiatives like PanAfGeo in fostering a culture of mineral exploration and innovation, despite the challenging terrain often associated with mineral-rich regions.
Supporting this initiative, Eng. Irene Pauline Batebe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, emphasized the significance of a unified geoscientific database in identifying potential mineral resources across Africa. She stressed the role of planners and geoscientists in supporting governments to exploit and develop mineral resources sustainably.
The training provided an opportunity for geoscientists to understand the geological landscape of Kabale and its potential mineral wealth. Eng. Batebe highlighted the imperative of value addition to Africa’s mineral resources, emphasizing the need for tangible results to complement the continent’s abundant potential.
Dr. Alex Fred Tugume, the Acting Commissioner of Geological Survey Services at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, expressed optimism regarding the creation of a unified continental scientific database. Such a database would provide valuable information to investors, reducing exploration risks and facilitating efficient mineral extraction processes.
However, Dr. Tugume acknowledged the challenge of limited budget allocation for mineral exploration in some low-income countries. He emphasized the importance of government intervention in funding detailed exploration to attract capable investors and ensure sustainable mineral development.
Mr. Frank Mugyenyi, the Executive Director of the Minerals African Development Institute, emphasized the need for African countries to negotiate better deals to maximize the benefits of their mineral resources.
Participants from various African nations commended the impact of the training in geoscientific mapping, pledging to utilize their newfound knowledge to advance geological survey and mining practices across the continent.
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