What is needed to build geoscience skills for mining and exploration in Africa? This wide-ranging panel discussion highlights industry, academic and government perspectives on establishing enduring relationships with local communities, with a focus on building geoscience and technical capabilities. The discussion explored the development of local technical staff for exploration and mining operations, the role of geological surveys in skill development and the impact of research carried out without local collaboration (‘parachute science’).

Hosted by Anne Thompson, the panel included Kurt House, CEO KoBold Metals, Kombada Mhopjeni, National Program Officer for Natural Sciences (UNESCO Windhoek), Benjamin Mapani, Professor Namibia University of Science and Technology and Franck Twite, Chief Geologist, Kamoa Copper S.A.

The discussion was recorded live in front of the conference audience in the Windhoek, Namibia on the 27 September 2024. We covered

The panel started with introducing themselves and the challenges they face or approaches they take to capacity building (skills training) in their work. The discussion including the following questions:

· How do exploration and mining companies create real change with long lasting community benefit? What makes a difference to community and government relationships?

· What can research and geological survey scientists do to help build global geoscience capacity and support public education?

· What do you think is the most important area to focus on as we look to the future?

· What makes you optimistic for the future of collaboration and our ability to build geoscience capacity?

We covered a lot, insights on the use of data science, how to get high school students interested in geoscience and even how cultural differences can impact our communication with each other.

Theme music is Confluence by Eastwinds
eastwindsmusic.com

Come join us in Brisbane, Australia for SEG 2025, September 26-29th. This will be a dynamic conference with cutting edge science, new discoveries, technology and more. Opportunities for networking and learning include several workshops and field trips before and after the event, relaxed social events and of course the conference itself. See you there!