MinDiver Project Completes De-Risking of South-Western Block
The Mineral Sector Support for the Economic Diversification Project (MinDiver), operating under the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing the de-risking of the South-Western region block of Nigeria. This achievement represents a major advancement towards attracting investment into the mining industry and ensuring the sustainable growth of the sector.
Engr. Sallim Salaam, the Project Coordinator of MinDiver, announced the completion of the South-Western block and the transfer of the first set of geological data to the Ministry of Mines during a press briefing in Abuja. This data is anticipated to play a pivotal role in promoting investment in the country’s mining sector. Engr. Salaam also highlighted the positive impact of the vocational training in jewellery and gemstone programme, which has benefitted numerous young individuals across all geopolitical zones of the country.
The MinDiver project has effectively trained 41 Nigerians in master jewellery-making and design, equipping them with starter packs comprising basic jewellery making tools to facilitate their entry into the jewellery trade. Furthermore, the technical departments and agencies of the Ministry are being strengthened through equipment provision and training, thereby enhancing the sector’s capabilities.
As part of the project’s initiatives, a high-resolution airborne survey was conducted over the proof of concept areas in the South-Western block of Nigeria. The processed and interpreted data from this survey is intended to be released to the public, contributing to the de-risking of the sector and promoting investment opportunities. This initiative has been supported by the approval of a data dissemination policy by the Ministry, which will guide the release of the data to the general public.
Dr. Mary Ogbe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, addressed the audience, urging potential investors to take advantage of the new high-resolution airborne data for further exploration of mineral titles. She emphasized the significance of the Airborne MagRad Survey, which spans over nineteen states of the Federation, covering highly prospective areas of mineralisation. This survey is part of the Ministry’s reform activities aimed at reducing investment risks in the mining sector.
With the completion of data acquisition, processing, and interpretation of the South-Western block, the data has been officially handed over to the Director-General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) for upload onto the National Geodata System. This marks a significant step forward in the Ministry’s efforts to provide valuable resources and support for the development of Nigeria’s mining sector.
In conclusion, the completion of the South-Western block by MinDiver represents a critical milestone in the de-risking of Nigeria’s mining sector. The availability of high-quality geological data and the ongoing efforts to strengthen technical capabilities will attract further investments and drive the sector’s growth. It is a positive step towards unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s mineral resources and contributing to the country’s economic diversification. (Source: Guardian Nigeria)
