The Russia-Africa Raw Materials Dialogue has concluded at Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University. For two days, experts from 32 countries discussed the development of economies on the African continent and, crucially, Russia's role in this process.
The concluding part of the forum consisted of round tables on the topics of the future of the global mining industry, modern technologies for the development and extraction of raw materials, new joint projects, and the training of a new generation of engineers.
Russia and Africa are not competitors but partners who can and should complement each other. This idea sounded as a leitmotif in many of the Dialogue’s speeches. As noted by the Head of the Federal Agency for Subsoil Use, Oleg Kazanov, Russia’s rich experience and well-honed methods make it possible to develop mineral deposits efficiently and at the same time carefully. Compared to the Western model of reserve management, the domestic one has significant advantages.
- Our system and methods are aimed at extracting 80–90% of the gold from a deposit. The Western approach often focuses on external attractiveness: impeccable presentation, comfortable working conditions, tolerance training, respect for the rights of different social groups, and various amenities. Which is, of course, not bad. But at the same time, half of the valuable resources will remain in the ground, unutilized; there is no in-depth elaboration of projects. A situation may arise where an open pit is built with seemingly optimal reserves, yet only 50–70% of the total resources are extracted. The project turns out to be unprofitable or, at the very least, not very profitable. This is not our way. We adhere to the principle of maximum efficient utilization, - emphasized Kazanov.
Modern methods that the Russian Federation offers to African partners include, for example, high-tech production based on biochemistry—uranium extraction that uses in-situ leaching. This method employs injection and production wells, as well as pumps.
Another example is lithium. One of the key methods of its extraction is direct extraction from solutions.
- Five or six years ago, we regrettably noted Russia’s lag in this area. However, significant technological efforts were undertaken. I believe that in the next couple of years, Russia will begin industrial production of lithium. Technological and pilot studies have been successfully completed; everything works. We have this technology, and we are ready, - added Oleg Kazanov.
Pavel Marinichev, General Director of ALROSA, spoke about a responsible approach to working on “foreign territory.” The company is actively developing international cooperation, including with Angola. In Lunda Sul Province, jointly with the Angolan authorities, an enterprise was established that today ranks third in the world in diamond mining. Due to sanctions restrictions, the company was forced to withdraw from the project’s participants; nevertheless, it continues to remain a partner. A similar project is being implemented in Zimbabwe, where ALROSA invests in the development of geological exploration and holds 42 licenses for development in the least-explored areas.
- A large share of the world’s diamonds are mined in Africa and Russia. However, countries that have nothing to do with this process—primarily Western states—often try to dictate the rules of extraction. We are actively cooperating with our African partners, developing fair rules and defending our interests against norms imposed from outside. We strive to minimize environmental impact and show respect for the land on which we work, - said Pavel Marinichev.
What expectations and goals did the African guests bring to St. Petersburg? During breaks between discussions, a Forpost correspondent spoke on the sidelines with representatives of business, education, and government.
Getlani Elkamel Mohammed from the city of Benghazi, Libya, came to the forum not only as an official but also as a businessman. A geologist by education, Mohammed works for a company engaged in gas and oil refining. A few years ago, his firm became a "distributor" of Russian technologies in this sphere; they are now working with colleagues from Tatarstan who are sharing drilling technologies.
- In my view, negotiations should be focused precisely on the private sector. Governments can change, and with them the political course. Interaction with business partners, on the contrary, makes it possible to achieve more stable and significant results. Of all the countries of Africa, Libya has the largest oil reserves. But for now, we have only 3000 wells, from which 1.4 million barrels are produced. In Russia, there are about 150 thousand wells, and their number increases every year. And, as is well known, it is Russia that has rich experience in the field of oil and gas production; you have integrated companies—first and foremost “Gazprom”—that work with raw materials on a “turnkey” basis. Russian technologies are capable of working absolutely everywhere and are applicable to any part of the oil and gas sector. At the same time, Libya is a gateway to North Africa. Thus, Russia will have more opportunities to make contact with this part of the “Black Continent.” And of course, the issue of personnel training is important. In the future, we would like to sign an agreement between Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University and universities in Libya; I, as a representative of the Congress, have the ability to facilitate these contacts, - says Getlani Elcamel Mohammed.
The Ambassador of Namibia to Russia, Monica Ndilivayike Nashandi, noted that, like many African countries, Namibia possesses rich natural resources and is striving to develop its geological exploration sector, and therefore is extremely interested in concluding a cooperation agreement with Russia. The country pays particular attention to increasing the added value of extracted products. The forum is an excellent opportunity to establish interaction and communication between representatives of Russia and Africa and to acquire personal contacts.
- Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University is one of the best in its field, and Namibia wants to conclude a cooperation agreement with it. We attach particular importance to training specialists for the extractive sector, especially in engineering disciplines. Without a strong knowledge of fundamental disciplines, such as mathematics, it is impossible to develop deposits in a high-quality and environmentally sound manner. A memorandum of cooperation between the UNESCO Center and universities of the African continent has already been signed. I would add that this is not the first time Russia has helped Namibia. In the past, your country played a key role in Namibia’s attainment of independence; we value and remember this, - summarized Monica Nashandi.
Franklin Nathan Nyamsi is a writer, public figure, and lecturer, a native of Cameroon. The professor collaborates with the Institute of African Freedom, and his personal goal at the forum is to conduct research aimed at assisting African governments in achieving a number of objectives. Among these are the cessation of the occupation of African countries by foreign states, liberation from neocolonial policies, including those conducted by France in the territory of former French colonies, as well as a revision of the approach to teaching.
- Like many others, Cameroon has a colonial past: the resource-rich country was initially created for the extraction and export of resources. And this trend continues to this day. The government, unfortunately, does not change this course, and the country does not derive significant benefit from its resources. They are exported in their raw form, without processing. The main problem is the need to revise policy, both on the part of the government and on the international stage. In this context, Russia is seen as a promising partner, offering a wide range of cooperation: training for students and personnel, technology exchange, and strategic planning. For me, the main result of the forum's work is the unified Declaration. There have never been wars between Russia and Africa, which instills confidence in the strength of this relationship, - the professor concluded.
A guest from South Africa, Ragubi Niriti, a representative of the University of Pretoria, shared the goals of her visit and her vision of international cooperation.
- I have long been interested in the Russian education system, especially now, in the context of the rejection of the Bologna System. We want to understand how this process is being carried out at the Mining University. Many of our universities are still operating according to Bologna principles. But our important goal now is the decolonization of education, the rejection of practices imposed from outside, and the search for suitable alternatives. I am aware that the Mining University devotes a great deal of attention to the practical component. Our university, although it is comprehensive—that is, it trains not only engineers—also practices a similar approach. The key principle for us is “community engagement,” the involvement of residents and local communities “on the ground.” All students, having mastered their specialty, are obliged to apply the knowledge they have acquired in their local communities, providing them with assistance. This approach, based on the philosophy of “ubuntu” (humanity, interconnectedness), is applied both in business and at the university in the development of curricula, - said Ragubi Niriti.
Africa is the continent with the youngest population on the planet. As part of the Russia–Africa Raw Materials Dialogue, a youth round table was also held, bringing together more than 400 students, activists, leaders of scientific, sports, and public associations, and representatives of the All-Africa Students’ Union (AASU). These very young men and women will shape the politics and economy of their countries tomorrow.
One of its main outcomes was the unanimous adoption of the Declaration, reflecting the key principles and priorities of the Russian and African student communities. The document will be sent to the structures of the UN, UNESCO, and other international organizations for the further promotion of joint initiatives and to attract global attention to the tasks of training a new generation of engineers.
Additionally, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the AASU and the "Nedra" Consortium of Russian Universities.
In the Congress Hall of Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, an agreement was signed between the International Competence Center for Mining Engineering Education under the auspices of UNESCO and the Association of African Universities. This event, along with the address by the university’s rector, Professor Vladimir Litvinenko, became one of the central events of the Russia–Africa Raw Materials Dialogue.
