About PanAfGeo+
“PanAfGeo+” for “Pan-African Support to Geological Sciences and Technology, Africa-EU Partnership” is a project which supports the training of geoscientific staff from African geological surveys through the development of an innovative training programme. This programme includes the acquisition and development of important professional skills that complement existing qualifications and technical skills. The training programme is carried out by world-class geoscientific experts coming from African and European geological surveys.
PanAfGeo+ is funded by the European Commission (DG INTPA). The consortium of PanAfGeo+ consists of EuroGeoSurveys (EGS) and Organisation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS), coordinated by the French Geological Survey (BRGM). This programme allows trainees to acquire a state-of-the-art toolkit that includes methods and/or fieldwork across several geoscientific domains (work packages).
WP3 – ASSM Mining of Development Minerals in African Countries
The training will be conducted in English and French, with simultaneous interpretation provided throughout the sessions.
Interest and focus on Critical Minerals have increased significantly in recent years, alongside expanded exploration activities across Africa. However, due to mineralogical composition and the mining technologies required, only a limited number of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASSM) operations are involved in Critical Minerals extraction.
International reports indicate that Development Minerals account for approximately 40% or more of ASSM activities in Africa. There is therefore a strong need to improve knowledge and develop a clearer overview of Development Minerals mined by ASSM operators.
This training focuses on strengthening understanding of the ASSM sector in Development Minerals across African countries. Participants will be guided through theory sessions, discussions, and practical workshops aimed at creating a common understanding of Development Minerals and building a network of professionals from government institutions and academia.
The programme will cover:
- Types of minerals
- Mining methods
- Environmental and health issues
- Economic aspects
- Organisation of miners
- The value chain from mining to market
The training will include country presentations, lectures from African experts, and interactive group work. WP3 sessions are delivered exclusively by African experts.
Under PanAfGeo-2, Geological Surveys from all 54 African countries participated in ASSM training and seminars. Their contributions were published in the PanAfGeo-2 Guidebooks on ASSM. A new guidebook on ASSM mining of Development Minerals in Africa will be developed based on contributions from participants in this training session.
Call for Applications
Download the call for applications (English | French).
Eligibility and Profile of Applicants
This course is open to individuals who meet the criteria defined in the PanAfGeo+ Trainee Charter (English | French).
Costs Covered
This training is fully funded by the European Commission through the PanAfGeo+ programme. The following will be covered:
- Return international flight (from/to an African country)
- Visa costs (upon presentation of official receipt)
- Accommodation, meals, and training materials
Please note:
- No per diem or daily allowance is provided
- No reimbursement of health insurance is available
- Travel to the departure airport and insurance arrangements should be organised with your employer
Application Instructions
Application documents are available in both English and French.
Applicants must submit the following documents in PDF format:
- Completed Application Form (English | French)
- Signed Letter of Commitment (by employer) (English | French)
- Letter of Motivation (English | French)
- A copy of passport (valid for at least six months after the date of entry into Cameroon)
All documents must be named using your surname, the document name, and the language (EN or FR)
(e.g. SURNAME_ApplicationForm_EN or SURNAME_ApplicationForm_FR) and use Latin characters only.
Upload the documents separately on the portal.
Apply through the portal only: Register here
Deadline for applications: 1 June 2026
The selection process will ensure balanced regional representation and gender diversity. Successful applicants will receive confirmation early to allow time for visa procedures.
Contact
For practical questions about the training:
John Tychsen: jtassm@gmail.com
For general information about PanAfGeo+:
EuroGeoSurveys: panafgeo@eurogeosurveys.org
Organisation of African Geological Surveys: info-oags@oagsafrica.org
