“It is also important to be fully aware of the opportunities for capacity building and technology transfer provided by contractors as part of their obligations for mineral exploration in the international deep seabed, as well as by the Authority’s Endowment Fund for Marine Scientific Research,” Deputy Minister Oliphant said.

Speaking at the seminar on the work of the International Seabed Authority in Pretoria on Monday, he said Africa’s total length of coastline, including its islands, was over 26 000 nautical miles.

Thirty-eight African countries were either coastal or island states.

Deputy Minister Oliphant said a move towards more sustained economic growth using the deep seabed required the expansion and integration of marine research across borders and among all stakeholders.

Available: http://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/african-countries-must-work-together-mineral-exploration