SOMMEDI, located in Nasarawa State, is key to Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, aiming to boost local mining through technology and innovation. Established by NASENI, it focuses on skill development, production of mining equipment, and reducing reliance on foreign imports. With facilities for research and training, SOMMEDI supports SMEs and aligns with national economic goals of diversification and job creation.
In the heart of Nasarawa State lies SOMMEDI, short for the Solid Mineral Machinery and Equipment Development Institute, a pivotal player in Nigeria’s efforts for economic diversification through its rich solid minerals. Established by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in 2012, it aims to equip small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged in mining with innovative technical infrastructure. SOMMEDI officially opened its doors in May 2019, targeting a transformation from informal mining to a high-tech industry.
Strategically located in one of Nigeria’s most mineral-rich areas, SOMMEDI has a clear mission: to develop specialised machinery for mining and mineral processing. This isn’t just about providing equipment; it’s about creating a hub for ideas and innovation that will revolutionise the sector. With a focus on homegrown technology, SOMMEDI addresses a critical gap—Nigeria’s reliance on foreign technology for mineral extraction and processing.
Mr. Stephen Enyi, SOMMEDI’s Overseeing Officer, highlighted Nigeria’s wealth in minerals like gold, tin, and limestone, emphasising the need for domestic capacity to effectively exploit these resources. SOMMEDI believes that Nigeria should not simply export raw materials but leverage its natural wealth to drive innovation and industrialisation. This philosophy drives their emphasis on skills development, technology transfer, and research.
At SOMMEDI, the facilities are impressive—from a fully equipped Mineral Processing Workshop to a Wood Processing Workshop, and even a Gemological Laboratory. These workshops are more than just walls; they are foundational elements aimed at moving Nigeria toward economic diversification through practical, homegrown solutions.
Producing machinery locally helps Nigeria decrease its dependence on expensive imports, a strategic move to bolster local industry. SOMMEDI reaches out to SMEs that often struggle with technical know-how, arming them with the resources they need to be productive and economically viable. Meanwhile, Mr. Abdullahi Usman Rasheed, the Acting Head of Administration, expressed ambition for Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in machinery for mineral processing.
Moreover, human capital development is key to SOMMEDI’s mission; they provide training on the operation and maintenance of mining machinery. This initiative is crucial for ensuring a skilled workforce that can sustain activities in the mining sector effectively and sustainably.
The institute is also involved in mining planning and optimisation services, helping companies navigate the complexities of effective resource extraction. Its initiatives align seamlessly with Nigeria’s broader goals of job creation and empowering the youth by teaching them valuable skills that increase their employability.
Research and Development (R&D) is undeniably at SOMMEDI’s core. The institute is already making strides with new technologies that promise to enhance industry efficiency and safety. Increasing interest from local and international partners signifies SOMMEDI’s growing influence. As Rasheed states, partnerships are vital to expand their impact and turn Nigeria into a global mineral technology leader.
SOMMEDI’s focus extends beyond research to practical applications. It’s not just an R&D hub; it’s turning innovations into real products that invigorate the economy. Local and international sales of mining equipment point to SOMMEDI’s role as a business entity that supports economic activities in the solid minerals space.
Among its successful developments is a 3TH mobile hammer crusher, designed to help small miners increase efficiency while making production easier. With this focus on local production, SOMMEDI aims to boost Nigeria’s output of finished goods, moving from simply exporting raw materials to manufacturing products like cement and ceramics, effectively stimulating downstream industries.
As SOMMEDI moves forward, its early groundwork puts it in a strong position as Nigeria seeks to boost its industrial landscape through technology and innovation. This development is essential in a nation rich in minerals but facing challenges with its economic dependency on oil revenues. SOMMEDI is setting a precedent, marking a shift towards increased local empowerment and value addition.
In Nasarawa, the presence of SOMMEDI is indeed a turning point, with the potential to transform the perception of the state from merely a supplier of raw materials to a hub of industrial excellence. Embracing the principles of Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialisation (3Cs), the institute is committed to providing advanced machinery for the mining sector. With continued investment and strategic partnerships, the potential for growth in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector under SOMMEDI’s influence is substantial, and it might just be the key to a more prosperous future.
SOMMEDI stands at the forefront of Nigeria’s ambition for economic diversification through innovation in the mining sector. By prioritising technology development, skill acquisition, and local production of mining equipment, it contributes significantly to reducing reliance on imports and empowering local SMEs. With its focus on R&D and commitment to partnerships, SOMMEDI could reshape Nigeria’s solid minerals landscape while nurturing job creation and youth empowerment. The path forward appears promising, as Nigeria harnesses its mineral wealth for a better tomorrow.
Original Source: dailytrust.com