Developing Local Industrial Capacity in Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector
The Minerals and Miners Centre (MMC) in Abuja has taken a significant step towards enhancing the capacity of local miners in the solid minerals sector by engaging mineral processing experts and machinery manufacturers. This move aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to involve small-scale mining companies and artisanal miners directly in mineral processing operations, as well as provide them with the necessary training and mentorship.
The initiative was announced by the director of MMC, Dr Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji, during a recent interview. Dr Asokoro-Ogaji highlighted the private sector-driven approach of MMC, emphasising the importance of sustainable development and skills transfer from sector experts and partners. She also revealed plans to finalise agreements with machinery manufacturers in China to facilitate the implementation of the initiative, with terms tailored to benefit Africa based on MMC’s model.
The mentorship and internship programme introduced by MMC is aimed at addressing the skills gap in the solid minerals sector. Dr Asokoro-Ogaji emphasised the significance of in-country mineral beneficiation, stating that industrialisation through value addition is crucial for the country’s economic growth and global competitiveness. She stressed the need to shift away from the exportation of raw commodities and focus on exporting value-added products as a pathway to wealth creation.
Highlighting the importance of the private sector in driving economic growth, Dr Asokoro-Ogaji acknowledged the support of federal government ministries, agencies, and state governments in creating an enabling environment for MMC’s initiatives. She also emphasised the organisation’s commitment to considering social and environmental factors while striving to achieve economic goals in collaboration with companies and state governments.
Dr Asokoro-Ogaji further revealed that the companies involved in the initiative are owned and operated by Africans, with support from experts in the United Kingdom and China. These experts provide guidance in machinery expertise, technical skills, environmental and corporate governance standards, and general advisory services to facilitate commercial-scale mineral processing operations.
The ultimate goal of MMC’s efforts is to drive Nigerian involvement in the sector, leading to employment generation, improved expertise in mineral processing, and a deeper understanding of global mineral trade dynamics. The organisation is working closely with select state governments to promote value addition and enhance the solid minerals sector’s capabilities.
In conclusion, the engagement of mineral processing experts and machinery manufacturers by MMC represents a significant stride towards developing local industrial capacity in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. The initiative holds the potential to transform the sector by empowering small-scale mining companies and artisanal miners, driving economic growth, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global mineral trade.
