Somalia and China discuss cooperation on mineral exploration and geological mapping

MOGADISHU — Somalia and China have discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in geological surveys, mapping and the identification of mineral resources in Somalia using modern technology.

The discussions took place during a meeting between Mohamed Hashi Arabey, director general of Somalia’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and Zheng Xiongwei, director general of the Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation at the China Geological Survey.

The meeting was held at the headquarters of the China Geological Survey and was organised by the Somali Embassy in China.

Somalia’s ambassador to China, Hodan Osman Abdi, attended the meeting alongside Hussein Ali Ahmed, director of the ministry’s legal department, and other officials.

According to the ministry, the discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in geological surveys and mapping across Somalia, particularly through the use of modern remote-sensing technology and satellite imagery.

The technologies are expected to help generate comprehensive scientific data on the country’s mineral resources and improve the identification of potential deposits.

During the meeting, Chinese experts also presented two artificial intelligence-based technologies designed to support mineral exploration and identification.

The technologies can analyse underground mineral data at depths of up to 500 metres and identify as many as six types of critical minerals, according to the experts.

Both sides expressed interest in expanding technical cooperation, exchanging knowledge and expertise, and developing joint programmes to advance geological surveys and mineral exploration in Somalia.

The Somali Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources said it hoped the partnership would soon move into the implementation phase, accelerating mineral exploration and providing reliable scientific data to support investment decisions.

The ministry said the cooperation could also help create sustainable investment opportunities and improve the country’s ability to assess and develop its natural resources.

Somalia has been seeking to attract international expertise and investment to develop its largely underexplored mineral sector, with authorities increasingly highlighting the potential contribution of natural resources to economic growth and job creation.