TRAINING // WP3 – ASSM Mining of Development Minerals in African Countries

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 tool kit that contains methods and/or field work from eight geoscientific domains or work packages.

WP3 – ASSM Mining of Development Minerals in African Countries

Interest and focus on Critical Minerals have been increasing over the past few years, and exploration activities have also expanded across Africa. In general, these studies show that due to mineralogical composition and the mining technologies required a limited number of ASSM are mining critical minerals,

International reports indicate that the mining of Development Minerals in Africa accounts for around 40% or more of ASSM operations. Therefore, it is important to develop a better overview of Development Minerals mined by ASSM operators.

This upcoming training focuses on building a better understanding of the ASSM sector in Development Minerals in African countries. Participants will be guided through theory, discussion, and practical workshops aimed at creating a common understanding Development Minerals and building a network of colleagues in the government sector and academia interested in Development Minerals. Download the call for applications here.

The Work Package “ASSM” (WP3) aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of ASSM operators engaged in mining Development Minerals across Africa. The programme seeks to cover all aspects related to Development Minerals in each country, including:

• 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 presentations from participating countries, lectures from African experts, and interactive group work. Notably, WP3 exclusively uses African experts to deliver the sessions.

Under PanAfGeo-2, Geological Surveys from all 54 African countries were invited to participate in ASSM training and seminars. Each country prepared a chapter describing ASSM activities within their territory. All these contributions were published in the PanAfGeo-2 Guidebooks on ASSM. Link to guidebooks, here. We hope to develop a guidebook on ASSM mining of Development Minerals across Africa, based on contributions written by the participants of these upcoming training sessions.

Eligibility and Profile of Applicants

This course is open to individuals who meet the criteria defined in the PanAfGeo+ Trainee Charter.

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

Applicants must submit the following documents in PDF format:

1. Completed Application Form
2. Signed Letter of Commitment (by employer)
3. Letter of Motivation
4. A copy of passport (valid for at least six months after the date of entry into Zambia).

All documents must be named using Latin characters and include your surname. Upload the documents separately on the portal.

Apply through the portal only: Register here

Deadline for applications: 7 December 2025

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

We look forward to receiving your application.