Focus on Earth Science – Namibian Sun

The leading international academic conference on African geology concluded in Windhoek last week, with the 29th Conference on African Geology (CAG29) set to run until Friday at the Mercure Hotel in the capital.

Scientists who are experts in the earth and its treasures from all over the world participated in the event. According to Professor Olubenga Akindeji Okunlola, president of the African Geological Society, the event received about 260 applications and nearly 600 participants from 61 countries registered to participate.

He particularly noted the participation of many young people at the symposium and said, “I see a bright future for geological sciences in Africa.”

The event was organized by GSAf in partnership with the Geological Survey of Namibia, the Namibian Young Geoscientists Network, the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Namibia (Unam), the Geological Commission of Namibia, the Hydrogeological Association of Namibia, and the Department of Mining and Process Engineering at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).

Sponsors included Andrada Mining, B2Gold, Namdeb Holdings, GIZ and the Ministry of Mines, while visits were arranged to Andrada’s lithium exploration activities in the Uis and Damara belts.

Actionable suggestions

Geotourism was one of several topics discussed last week, including the geology of African mineral deposits, investment in the mineral industry, African nuclear fuel resources, medical geology, sustainable groundwater sources and integrated earth sciences.

At the opening ceremony, Namibian Prime Minister Sarah Kugongelwa-Amadira said that the Namibian government understands the importance of geological science, especially now that oil has been discovered.

She called for practical proposals for local natural resource development and technological advancement of African economies.

“I hope these players and experts will demonstrate leadership and bring the continent closer to its vision. These are important steps towards African geo-solutions, mineral and oil discoveries, green energy production, groundwater optimization, geo-hazard mitigation and harnessing our geological wealth for the benefit of all Africans.”

Conference patron Dr. Leake Hangala stressed the importance of political leadership in advancing geosciences and told attendees that they had come to Namibia at an opportune time – not only because of the discovery of oil, but also to further promote the contribution of the mining industry to Namibian society.

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