YEMAYA Forum Advances Dialogue on Mining Education, Resource Geopolitics, and Sustainable Development
Representatives of CoSuDAf under The YEMAYA Forum on Mining Education, Mining Careers, Resource Geopolitics, and Sustainable Development marked another important milestone in fostering scientific exchange, international cooperation, and knowledge sharing among researchers, academics, and students.
The forum brought together experts and participants from diverse backgrounds to discuss critical issues shaping the future of mining, resource management, sustainability, and graduate education. Through insightful presentations and interactive discussions, participants gained valuable perspectives on how students and early-career researchers can better prepare for successful academic and professional careers.
A key theme of the forum was the evolving role of mining in sustainable development. Discussions highlighted how responsible mining practices and innovative mine closure strategies can generate lasting social, environmental, cultural, and economic benefits for communities. Participants also learned about the long-standing collaboration between TUBAF and Namibia, exploring both the opportunities and challenges associated with international partnerships in education and research.
The forum showcased practical case studies addressing sustainability challenges in resource extraction in Nigeria, alongside emerging research on lead remediation in water using modified flavonoids. These presentations demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing environmental and public health challenges.
Resource geopolitics emerged as one of the most engaging topics of the day, prompting lively discussions on the future of Europe–Africa partnerships in the resource sector. Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening co-financing mechanisms across the entire value chain, including exploration, extraction, processing, technology development, and innovation. Additional presentations explored innovative underground mining techniques aimed at improving mine safety, as well as the potential of solar-grid technologies to enhance energy security in Nigeria.
The event concluded with a strong sense of enthusiasm and a shared commitment to future collaboration in research, capacity building, career development, and joint initiatives. The discussions reaffirmed the importance of international partnerships in addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development goals.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all speakers, panelists, and participants whose expertise, flexibility, and willingness to share their experiences made the forum a success. Their contributions helped create a meaningful platform for learning, dialogue, and the development of future collaborations across Africa and Europe.