The Council for Geoscience (CGS) and Geological Survey of Eswatini officially launched the second phase of an integrated, multidisciplinary geoscience mapping programme across Eswatini on 26 November 2023.
This initiative is a crucial component of the CGS’ Geoscience Diplomacy project, aimed at supporting regional national development imperatives through geoscience solutions. The launch, led by the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Honourable Prince Lonkhokhela, saw the participation of key government officials, media representatives, and local stakeholders. This project holds significant importance in the Kingdom of Eswatini’s minerals, energy, and socioeconomic development.
The successful completion of the first phase in 2022, which focused on approximately one-third of the Kingdom, revealed key mineralised sequences encompassing base, precious, and agro mineral systems. Additionally, crucial geological features essential for land-use and hydrogeology were meticulously mapped.
The second phase aims to achieve comprehensive coverage across the entire country and further define key minerals and energy systems. The programme will entail the collection of high-resolution aerial electromagnetic geophysical data integrated with geology and geochemistry. This phase of work is anticipated to conclude in mid-2024. In furtherance of its strategic outlook, the CGS sees this project as an important milestone towards building and maintaining strategic partnerships with its regional and international counterparts.
The collaboration between the CGS and its Eswatini counterpart has helped in growing the CGS footprint and contribution on the subcontinent and also enhanced the implementation of the RSA Government’s regional integration foreign policy.
The CGS is one of the national science councils in South Africa established under the Geoscience Act, (Act. No. 100 of 1993) as amended. It is the custodian of all onshore and offshore geoscience data and information, and is mandated to promote research, extend knowledge in the field of geoscience as well as provide specialised geoscientific services.
For media enquiries please contact Ms Mahlatse Mononela, Manager: Communication & Stakeholder Relations on email: mmononela@geoscience.org.za Mobile: 067 426 1417.
