The National Geological Survey of Senegal has signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with two Quebec companies, Ressources et Énergie Squatex inc. and Caron Technologies International inc. The initiative also involves the Halles d’Innovation et de Formation Avancée and the Université du Québec à Rimouski in a partnership focused on geological, mineral and energy exploration of the Senegalese subsoil.
Signed for an initial three-year term, the agreement provides for the establishment of specialised training programmes, the development of digital modelling tools, and the installation of certified laboratories. The aim is to strengthen Senegal’s technical capabilities, improve national geological mapping and enable better valuation of its natural resources.
A strategic entry point into West Africa
For Ressources et Énergie Squatex inc., the partnership marks a first operation in West Africa. The company aims for direct access to a geological basin considered under-explored, with identified potential in oil, gas, natural hydrogen and critical minerals. The agreement enables the company to project its expertise into a new institutional and geological context.
Caron Technologies International inc. will deploy its intelligent mapping technologies and low-impact drilling modules on Senegalese territory. The country becomes a testing ground for its technical solutions, at a time when innovation and control of geoscientific data are increasingly central to exploration strategies.
Institutional reinforcement and skills transfer
The National Geological Survey of Senegal will receive support for structuring its geological governance tools. The agreement includes skills transfer, continuous training of local teams and the implementation of collaborative platforms between the two countries. The initiative aims to consolidate local capacities within a regulatory framework aligned with international standards.
The programmes also provide technical support for developing solutions tailored to Senegal’s specific needs, taking into account operational constraints and data availability. The partners agree on a roadmap focused on long-term technical and institutional cooperation.
