Spotlight on geoscience
The leading international academic seminar on geology in Africa concluded last week in Windhoek, as the 29th Colloquium of African Geology (CAG29) took place at Mercure Hotel in the capital until Friday.
Scientists knowledgeable about the earth and its treasures came from all over the world to participate in the event. According to Professor Olugbenga Akindeji Okunlola, president of the Geological Society of Africa (GSAf), approximately 260 submissions were made for the event, with nearly 600 participants registered from 61 countries.
He specifically noted the involvement of many young people in the seminar, stating "I see the future of geological science in Africa as bright".
The event was organised by GSAf in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Namibia, the Young Earth Scientists network in Namibia, the University of Namibia's (Unam) geoscience department, the Geological Council of Namibia, the Namibian Hydrogeology Association, and the mining and process engineering department at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
Sponsors included Andrada Mining, B2Gold, Namdeb Holdings, GIZ and the mines ministry, while visits to Andrada's lithium exploration in Uis and the Damara mineral belt were arranged.
Actionable proposals
Geological tourism was one of several topics discussed last week, along with ore deposit geology in Africa, investment in mineral industries, nuclear fuel resources in Africa, medical geology, sustainable underground water sources and integrated geoscience, among many others.
During the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said the Namibian government understands the importance of geological science, especially now that oil discoveries have been made.
She called for actionable proposals for the local beneficiation of natural resources and technological advancement of African economies.
"It is my expectation that these participants and experts will take stewardship to steer the African continent closer to its vision. These are essential steps toward African geological solutions, mineral and petroleum discoveries, green energy production, optimisation of underground water, mitigation of geological hazards and the utilisation of our geological wealth for the benefit of all of Africa's people."
Patron of the conference Dr Leake Hangala emphasised the importance of political leadership in promoting geoscience and told participants that they are in Namibia at the right time - not only in light of oil discoveries, but also to further promote the contribution of mining to Namibian society.
[email protected]
Scientists knowledgeable about the earth and its treasures came from all over the world to participate in the event. According to Professor Olugbenga Akindeji Okunlola, president of the Geological Society of Africa (GSAf), approximately 260 submissions were made for the event, with nearly 600 participants registered from 61 countries.
He specifically noted the involvement of many young people in the seminar, stating "I see the future of geological science in Africa as bright".
The event was organised by GSAf in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Namibia, the Young Earth Scientists network in Namibia, the University of Namibia's (Unam) geoscience department, the Geological Council of Namibia, the Namibian Hydrogeology Association, and the mining and process engineering department at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
Sponsors included Andrada Mining, B2Gold, Namdeb Holdings, GIZ and the mines ministry, while visits to Andrada's lithium exploration in Uis and the Damara mineral belt were arranged.
Actionable proposals
Geological tourism was one of several topics discussed last week, along with ore deposit geology in Africa, investment in mineral industries, nuclear fuel resources in Africa, medical geology, sustainable underground water sources and integrated geoscience, among many others.
During the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said the Namibian government understands the importance of geological science, especially now that oil discoveries have been made.
She called for actionable proposals for the local beneficiation of natural resources and technological advancement of African economies.
"It is my expectation that these participants and experts will take stewardship to steer the African continent closer to its vision. These are essential steps toward African geological solutions, mineral and petroleum discoveries, green energy production, optimisation of underground water, mitigation of geological hazards and the utilisation of our geological wealth for the benefit of all of Africa's people."
Patron of the conference Dr Leake Hangala emphasised the importance of political leadership in promoting geoscience and told participants that they are in Namibia at the right time - not only in light of oil discoveries, but also to further promote the contribution of mining to Namibian society.
[email protected]
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article