PRESS RELEASE Mining on Top: Africa – London Summit 24th-26th June 2015, Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, London, UK   Mr Verbruggen, President of EuroGeoSurveys (The Geological Surveys of Europe) and Director of the Geological Survey of Ireland, has been invited to be part of the high level panel of speakers in the Africa London Summit ‘Mining on Top’. The conference will be focused on creating a connection between nations, investors and industry leaders to drive economic and social development in Africa through mining. In this framework the key words will be: the importance to invest in infrastructure, the regeneration of Ebola-affected areas, and the political certainty. To face these important topics one of the essential steps is to identify the key market drivers and to understand the future outlook for Africa’s commodities. It is commonly acknowledged that African minerals resources are severely under-exploited, especially because still unexplored or classified, and in this regard Mr Verbruggen will focus on a specific EuroGeoSurveys project, based on the AU–EU geoscientific collaboration, ‘PanAfGeo’. Minerals exploration and mapping is one of the main tasks of Geological Surveys. As Mr Verbruggen will explain during his speech, such information has a huge value, but is extremely difficult to produce as well as the collection, harmonization and sharing of geological map data on the African continent. Mapping geology is not easy. It requires skilled individuals and technical tools that several Geological Surveys in Africa are not able to afford. It is then evident that one of the primary actions to boost development in Africa is to increase the capacities and competence of its geological administrations. The strategy proposed by PanAfGeo focuses on establishing long-term strategic cooperation in the areas of: governance of natural resources, sustainable exploitation of non-energy mineral resources, prevention and mitigation of natural...

What is the EurGeol title? The European Geologist title (EurGeol) is a professional title created by the European Federation of Geologists which recognises the ability to deliver a high quality of services within the practice of geology. Title holders have achieved suitable academic training and a level of professional experience, skill and competence to perform tasks within their professional practice. It also means that the geologist undertakes continuing education and training, demonstrating a personal commitment to stay up to date and informed within the sphere of his professional work. Why do I need the title? Professional titles have become important in demonstrating the suitability of a professional to provide geological services. The professional title provides a quality mark to demonstrate to clients, regulators and the general public that the individual is competent to provide geological advice, and allows employers to offer competitive commercial services. To adapt to the current and future challenges within the geo-political framework of the European Union, it is necessary that geologists achieve, and can demonstrate, a high degree of professional experience to be able to respond to the demands of society in practicing their profession. Thanks to the harmonisation of training and experience underlying the EurGeol certification, the title acts as a passport to professional practice in Europe, thereby encouraging free movement of professionals. Download the Brochure Source: European Federation of...