The Nigeria Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) has recently taken a significant stride towards advancing the exploration and development of the country’s critical minerals. In a bid to harness innovative proprietary technology, the SMDF conducted a training session for its staff following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GeoScan GmbH of Berlin, Germany.
The one-day workshop aimed to equip Nigerian geoscientists with the necessary skills to utilise remote sensing technology in geological mapping and mineral exploration. This initiative is part of the broader strategy to fully explore Nigeria’s solid mineral resources and contribute significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The technology brought to the table by GeoScan GmbH is undoubtedly cutting-edge. Capable of exploring mineral deposits up to 10,000 meters below the surface, the technology is both cost-effective and efficient. It is reported to be 80% cheaper than current exploration processes and three times faster in locating underground deposits.
By engaging in this training, participants now have the opportunity to harness remote sensing technology, aligning Nigeria with established mining nations such as Australia, Canada, and South Africa. The benefits of remote sensing imagery in mineral exploration are vast. Not only does it save time in comparison to traditional exploration methods, but it also enables cost-effective exploration, ultimately positioning Nigeria as a prime destination for mining investment.
The keynote speaker of the workshop, Neil Pendock, highlighted the significance of remote sensing imagery in addressing illegal mining activities, emphasizing its ability to remotely detect mining-related activities via satellite. He stressed the importance of thermal data in geological mapping as it can aid in identifying mineral deposits concealed beneath vegetation and other layers.
Pendock’s presentation shed light on the vast potential of Nigeria as a mineral-rich nation, with the need for transparent and organized geological data to attract investments. He also stressed the importance of making mining operations environmentally friendly to further appeal to potential investors.
Kefas Malgwi, the Head of Mineral Exploration Department at SMDF, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the training aimed to enhance technical understanding of exploration targets and discover more minerals to attract investors to the country. He underlined the importance of utilizing remote sensing technology in geological mapping to improve the quality of geological data collection, with the ultimate goal of using mining operations as catalysts for community development and job creation.
The move by the Nigeria Solid Minerals Development Fund to engage in advanced remote sensing technology training is a promising development for the country’s mineral exploration sector. As Nigeria continues to position itself as a global player in the mining industry, initiatives like this are crucial in harnessing the untapped potential of its abundant mineral resources.