South Africa’s top geologists have targeted the Middle East for expansion, underlining the rapidly growing ties between the region and Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. 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, reported a press release.
“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,” stated Scientific Officer, Deon van Niekerk.
The Council for Geoscience ranks among the top geological organizations in Africa. As well as geological mapping the council’s work includes, geo-chemical surveys, ground water investigations, coastal erosion studies and seismic hazard assessments. It is undertaking a project in Fujairah, in the United Arab Emirates 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 Center from January 27-29. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
