Top South African geologists target Mid East for expansion

The Pretoria-based Council for Geoscience, (CGS), says the region, with large but mainly unexplored mineral resources, is a natural strategic partner providing a gateway to markets throughout the Middle East and Central Asia.

'The Middle East is considered a very important area for us because of the strong commercial and political links being established with SADC countries,' said Deon van Niekerk, Scientific Officer, CGS, that will be exhibiting at the Glass, Ceramics, Minerals and Mining Middle East 2002 exhibition to be held in Dubai, in January

'South Africa's large mineral resource base and the Middle East's vast energy resources offer the opportunity for closer economic integration. We see the Middle East as a major future producer of a range of industrial products which require energy use, such as glass ceramics, fertilisers and inorganic chemicals for export into Central Asia and the Indian Ocean Rim countries from Iran to Indonesia.

'The region's strategic advantages, such as shipping access, excellent infrastructure, financial services and large energy and industrial minerals bases, place Gulf Arab countries in an ideal position to develop a flourishing, export focused, industrial sector,' said van Niekerk.

The Council for Geoscience ranks among the top geological organisations in Africa. As well as geological mapping the council's work includes, geochemical surveys, ground water investigations, coastal erosion studies and seismic hazard assessments. It is undertaking a project in Fujairah, in the UAE, and has previously worked in Oman.

To date exhibitors from nine countries have contracted for the Glass, Ceramics, Minerals and Mining Middle East 2002 to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from January 27-29.

'The regional focus on diversifying economies into non-oil sectors is creating opportunities for countries, such as those in southern Africa, to forge strategic alliances and to utilise the Middle East's natural mineral resources to establish new industries,' said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice Chairman, International Expo-Consults (IEC), organises of the show.

'In the past exploration of the region's non-oil resources has been limited but the strong international interest in the show is a clear sign that mining exploration and development funding priorities have changed to the benefit of areas such as the Middle East.'