Lafarge Africa Plc has completed a training programme for geoscientists and mining engineers in Ogun State, aimed at enhancing the mining sector’s operational excellence. Held over three days at Ewekoro, the event involved collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, providing 25 participants with practical learning and insights into industry best practices.

Engr. Philip Anaobi, the plant manager, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to developing talent in mining. He stated, “We remain dedicated to equipping industry professionals with the necessary skills to drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s mining sector.” The training covered various topics, including safety protocols and community engagement, complemented by a tour of the Lafarge Ewekoro Quarry.

Professor Jimoh Ajadi from Kwara State University stressed the importance of continuous learning in the mining field, remarking, “Continuous learning and adaptation are crucial in the evolving landscape of mining.” He highlighted the need for adhering to safety regulations and advancing technological solutions in mining practices.

Gabriel Pollyn, Lafarge’s Head of Sustainability, discussed the company’s commitment to sustainability initiatives, including waste recycling and carbon footprint reduction. He noted, “We are pioneering efforts in waste recycling and reducing carbon footprints to promote sustainable resource extraction.”

Community Relations Manager Engr. Oluyomi Owolabi described the company’s collaboration with 14 host communities through its community relations committee. He revealed, “Our investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure has strengthened long-term relationships with local stakeholders.”

Participant Emmanuel Okechukwu thanked Lafarge and the Ogun State government for the practical training, stating, “The training was filled with hands-on learning, and the insights gained will enhance industry operations and sustainability practices.”

Lafarge Africa’s training programme enhanced skills among geoscientists and mining engineers, focusing on operational excellence and sustainability in mining. Collaboration with local authorities and experts ensured participants received valuable insights and practical experience, fostering stronger community relationships and commitment to environmentally responsible mining practices.

Original Source: punchng.com

The post Lafarge Africa Enhances Mining Skills in Ogun State Through Training Programme first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule has called for the deregulation of Nigeria’s mining sector to enhance its potential. Speaking at the 60th Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society Annual Conference in Abuja, he advocated for reforms akin to those in the oil and gas industry, emphasising the need for modernization and liberalisation to attract investment.

Governor Sule highlighted Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources and criticized existing policies that impede growth. Reflecting on his oil industry experience, he underscored the importance of structured revenue-sharing and industry regulations to secure adequate returns for mining states.

During his term, he discovered that despite 416 mining licenses granted in Nasarawa, the state was receiving no significant financial returns, prompting him to challenge the National Economic Council regarding the lack of revenue compared to the oil sector. Recognising flaws in the licensing process, he issued an executive order to ensure that all minerals processed in the state before export, which boosted local investments.

He proudly noted that Nasarawa State now hosts Nigeria’s largest lithium processing plant and several other smaller tin mining operations. Governor Sule urged Nigeria to shift focus towards long-term industrialisation over short-term financial gains, drawing comparisons to China’s approach to mining development.

Sule remains determined to overcome resistance to regulations that would ultimately benefit the sector and the economy. Professor Akinade Olatunji, President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, acknowledged the governor’s contributions to advancing mining reforms in Nigeria, culminating in a fellowship award presented to him during the event.

Governor Abdullahi Sule’s call for the deregulation of Nigeria’s mining sector underlines his commitment to modernising the industry. By improving revenue-sharing mechanisms and enforcing operational regulations, he aims to harness the nation’s mining potential for sustainable growth and investment. His proactive measures reflect a determined effort to transform the sector into a vital component of Nigeria’s economy.

Original Source: dailypost.ng

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Lafarge Africa Plc has conducted a successful three-day training programme for Geoscientists and Mining Engineers at its Ewekoro, Ogun State Training Centre. Collaborating with the Ogun State Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, the programme offered participants expert insights and practical learning, enhancing their skills in mining operations.

Twenty-five participants attended sessions that covered mining best practices, safety, raw materials management, and community engagement. They also toured the Lafarge Ewekoro Quarry to observe mining operations and environmental conservation. Engr. Philip Anaobi, Plant Manager, highlighted Lafarge’s commitment to developing industry talent and promoting sustainable practices in Nigeria.

Prof. Jimoh Ajadi from Kwara State University discussed international mining standards, focusing on safety, sustainability, and technological advancements. He stressed the need for ongoing learning to adapt to industry changes. Gabriel Pollyn, Head of Sustainability, covered Lafarge’s eco-friendly initiatives, emphasising circular economy practices and reducing the carbon footprint in operations.

Engr. Oluyomi Owolabi presented the Community Relations Committee model that fosters collaboration with 14 host communities. He mentioned the company’s investment in education and infrastructure, enhancing relationships with local stakeholders. Participant Emmanuel Okechukwu appreciated the hands-on training and its potential impact on mining sustainability.

Lafarge Africa’s commitment to knowledge sharing and innovation aims to uplift industry standards and promote responsible mining practices across Nigeria. Their diverse cement solutions cater to various construction needs, solidifying their role as a leader in the sector.

Lafarge Africa’s training initiative demonstrates its dedication to enhancing the skills of professionals in the mining and geoscience fields. By focusing on sustainable practices and community engagement, Lafarge aims to improve industry standards. The insights shared during the programme are expected to drive operational excellence and foster stronger relationships with local communities.

Original Source: thesun.ng

The post Lafarge Africa Empowers Mining Professionals Through Capacity Building Training first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Abdullahi Sule, the governor of Nasarawa State, has highlighted the need for Nigeria to abandon the community consent form as the sole means for granting mining licences. Speaking at the NMGS conference, he pointed out that this restriction hampers states from obtaining proper revenue from the mining sector, which he believes is Nigeria’s true source of wealth, surpassing oil.

To combat the challenges in obtaining mining licences, the governor introduced an executive order mandating that all companies mining in commercial quantities must process their minerals within the state. Prior to this law, despite 416 mining licences existing, Nasarawa State received no revenue. Following implementation, the state saw the establishment of numerous processing plants, boosting local revenue.

Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, emphasised the government’s commitment to modernising the sector through geospatial data and remote sensing technologies. These initiatives are designed to improve mineral exploration and investment decision-making while minimising uncertainties.

Alake’s representative, Dr. Mary Ogbe, also reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to fostering an environment conducive to innovative growth in mining and related sectors. This includes the creation of mineral processing hubs aimed at enhancing value addition and diminishing dependence on raw mineral exports.

Prof. Akinade Shadrach Olatunji, President of NMGS, stated that integrating agriculture with advanced geoscience and mining solutions would significantly transform Nigeria’s economy. He noted that industrialised nations have long recognised this relationship, supporting well-funded geoscience and mining agencies with top-tier talent.

In summary, Governor Abdullahi Sule advocates for reforming Nigeria’s mining licence system to enhance revenue. He has implemented measures in Nasarawa State to facilitate local mineral processing. The federal government is also focused on leveraging technology and creating hubs for mineral processing to boost value addition, aiming to transform the mining sector into a key economic driver alongside agriculture.

Original Source: dailytrust.com

The post Governor Sule Advocates for Mining Licence Reform in Nigeria first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Mining stakeholders in Nigeria are urging for enhanced collaboration among relevant agencies and institutions to foster sector development. This call was made during a pre-conference discussion at the 60th Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) Annual International Conference and Exhibition held in Abuja. The conference theme spotlighted innovation in transforming various sectors including mining.

Mr. Olusegun Adedayo, a mining policy advisor, stressed the necessity for local partnerships to elevate Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global mining landscape amidst increasing demand for energy minerals. He highlighted the need for aggregated data on Nigeria’s mineral reserves to attract investors, advocating for joint efforts in research, funding, and geoscience data collection to focus on key minerals.

Adedayo noted the issue of fragmented geoscience data stored in silos across different agencies. He proposed centralising this information to enhance accessibility for domestic and international investors. His assertion underscored the need for Nigeria to invest in its own technological and research capabilities.

Mrs. Aisha Gombe pointed out the significance of collaboration between geology and civil engineering departments in training institutions, noting a lack of engineering geology labs in geology departments. She called for joint efforts between regulatory councils to foster professionalism and safety in the industry.

Dele Ayankele, President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, expressed concerns over the absence of sustainable policies in the sector, identifying this as a major barrier to growth. He urged for the implementation of recommendations from a 2016 government committee tasked with sector transformation to attract investment through technological innovations.

The conference, running from February 16 to 21, will cover topics such as resource management in mining and the role of geoscience in agriculture and food security.

The conference has highlighted the urgent need for collaboration among Nigeria’s mining stakeholders to strengthen the sector. Key discussions focused on data centralisation, joint training efforts, and the implementation of sustainable policies to encourage local and international investment. Emphasis was placed on improving technological innovation and research capabilities as pathways for sector advancement.

Original Source: nannews.ng

The post Collaboration Urged to Enhance Nigeria’s Mining Sector Development first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria, abundant in over 44 minerals across 500 locations, is evolving into a major player in Africa’s mining sector. The government aims to elevate the mining sector’s GDP contribution to 10% by 2026 by fully exploiting its vast mineral resources. Upcoming events like Africa Mining Week in Cape Town will spotlight investment opportunities in Nigeria.

Bitumen: Nigeria possesses 42.47 billion tons of probable bitumen reserves, ranking sixth globally. Major deposits are located in Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Edo States. A $1 billion investment by Owena Bitumen Exploration Nigeria Limited aims to develop these reserves in Ondo State.

Limestone: With approximately 10.6 billion tons, Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest limestone reserves, spread across 14 states. This resource is key for job creation and economic diversification, particularly in cement production through companies like Dangote Cement.

Coal: Nigeria’s coal reserves are significant, estimated at 2.75 billion tons, mainly found in Gombe, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Enugu States. The Zuma Coal Mining Project, operated by Zuma Energy Nigeria Limited, has a production target of two million metric tons annually over 25 years.

Iron Ore: The Itakpe mine in Kogi State hosts around 3 billion tons of iron ore, a crucial resource for Nigeria’s industrialization. The iron ore is processed to 67% purity and supplies steel plants like Aladja and Ajaokuta.

Gold: Nigeria, with 21.37 metric tons of gold reserves, is the sixth-largest gold holder in Africa. Major deposits are spread across Zamfara, Kaduna, Bauchi, Niger, and Osun States, while initiatives, including a new gold refinery by Kian Smith, aim to enhance the gold value chain.

Nigeria’s mining sector offers significant opportunities for investment and economic growth, driven by its vast mineral reserves in bitumen, limestone, coal, iron ore, and gold. By attracting global investors and focusing on sustainable exploitation of these resources, Nigeria aims to diversify its economy and improve its mining contributions to GDP.

Original Source: energycapitalpower.com

The post Five Emerging Mineral Resources in Nigeria first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The latest KPMG report on Nigeria’s mining sector indicates that the current investor framework is unattractive and does not address the unique challenges of the industry. Despite attempts by successive federal governments to revitalize this sector, the growth has been minimal, with mining contributing less than 1% to Nigeria’s GDP as of 2023.

In 1999, Nigeria aimed to refocus its mining strategy, leading to the 2007 Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA). However, successes have been limited; the sector’s GDP contribution remains only 0.77%. The government previously set a target in 2016 for this contribution to rise to 10% of GDP by 2026 through a roadmap outlining industry development.

Although an N30 billion intervention fund was launched to attract multinational companies and promote exploration, tangible results have not followed. The mining value chain is categorized into exploration, processing, and marketing, but only upstream operations have seen some growth. Furthermore, fiscal incentives appear scattered across various laws, necessitating harmonization for clearer guidance to operators.

KPMG urges a complete review of the fiscal framework to align it with global standards, thus attracting investors. Moreover, updating the NMMA is essential to align provisions with the current mining ecosystem. Nigeria has over 44 minerals at 500 sites, yet seven strategic minerals—Coal, Bitumen, Limestone, Iron Ore, Barites, Gold, and Lead/Zinc—are prioritised for development due to their economic potential.

The KPMG report highlights that Nigeria’s mining sector framework is insufficiently attractive for investors, contributing less than 1% to GDP. It calls for a comprehensive review of the fiscal policies and updates to the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act to enhance the sector’s appeal. The prioritisation of seven strategic minerals underlines the potential for growth if strategic measures are implemented.

Original Source: businessday.ng

The post KPMG Report: Nigeria’s Mining Sector Framework Fails to Attract Investors first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria and Venezuela are exploring investment opportunities in the mining sector. Discussions took place between Nigerian Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake and Venezuelan Deputy Minister of Mining Alejandro Martinez during a mining event in Cape Town, South Africa. Both countries face similar political and economic challenges and seek cooperation to sustainably utilize their resources.

Minister Alake invited Venezuela to join a new coalition of African, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries in mining, aiming to enhance trade among members and leverage investment opportunities. In response, Deputy Minister Martinez praised Alake for recognising the parallels between the two oil-producing nations, both of which are now looking for alternatives to strengthen their economies through solid minerals.

The collaboration between Nigeria and Venezuela in the mining sector is a strategic move aimed at overcoming their respective economic challenges. By joining forces, both countries can work towards sustainable resource management and explore new avenues for economic diversification through mining partnerships.

Original Source: nta.ng

The post Nigeria and Venezuela Collaborate on Mining Investment Opportunities first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria and Venezuela are exploring investment opportunities in the mining sector, as revealed in recent discussions between Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, and Venezuela’s Deputy Minister of Mining, Alejandro Martinez. Their talks took place during the Investing in African Mining Indaba Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, with a commitment to strengthening collaboration and attracting investments.

Minister Alake highlighted the potential for both nations to work together in sustainably utilising their mineral resources for economic benefits. He stressed the importance of local processing, particularly of lithium, to create jobs and enhance the economy instead of merely exporting raw materials.

Alake also invited Venezuela to join the Super Region, a coalition of mining countries aiming to promote trade and economic independence. The minister expressed openness to collaborations with investors who demonstrate commitment to sustainable practices and local value addition.

In response, Martinez noted Venezuelan investors are particularly interested in Nigeria’s market for mining machinery and services. He asked for Alake’s support in facilitating collaboration and encouraging investors to visit Nigeria for further information.

The discussions stem from ongoing efforts by Nigeria and Venezuela to enhance their mining sectors, utilising each country’s resources effectively. Both countries face similar political and economic challenges, which provides a unique opportunity for mutual cooperation. The Investing in African Mining Indaba serves as a strategic platform for countries to seek partnerships and investments.

The engagement signifies a strategic move towards deeper collaboration in the mining sector between Nigeria and Venezuela. By focusing on sustainable practices and local economic growth, both nations hope to leverage their mineral resources more effectively and create significant employment opportunities.

Original Source: von.gov.ng

The post Nigeria and Venezuela Seek Collaborative Opportunities in Mining first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) highlights weak reforms and policies as major obstacles hindering growth in the country’s mining sector. They stress the need for targeted policy reforms, improved governance, and strategic initiatives to tap into the industry’s potential. Lumun Amanda Feese, NESG’s Manufacturing and Mining Policy Commission facilitator, pointed out that despite nearly two decades of reforms, Nigeria lags behind nations that initiated changes earlier.

Feese noted that the current mining framework fails to create effective linkages with sectors like manufacturing, construction, and technology. The mining act remains outdated, offering no space for independent regulation and failing to foster inter-sector connections. Consequently, the sector primarily caters to foreign demands, lacking integration with Nigeria’s broader economy.

The mining landscape is marred by challenges like environmental damage, violent conflicts linked to illegal activities, and insufficient GDP contributions. Rectifying these issues is critical for revitalising the sector and enhancing its role in Nigeria’s economy. Comprehensive reforms aligned with the African Mining Vision (AMV) are needed to address legal and regulatory shortcomings, with coordination between the Bureau of Public Enterprises and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

Niyi Yusuf, chairman of NESG, stresses collaboration between private and public sectors to transform the mining industry. He describes this endeavour as a long-term commitment essential for economic diversification and job creation. Transformation in this sector is a gradual process, not an immediate fix, and is vital for national growth.

The article addresses the challenges faced by Nigeria’s mining industry, primarily stemming from inadequate institutional reforms and policies. These issues limit the sector’s potential contributions to the economy, despite ongoing reforms over the years. The emphasis is on the need for comprehensive reforms to create synergies across various sectors and ultimately enhance the mining sector’s performance and relevance to Nigeria’s economic landscape.

The article underscores that Nigeria’s mining industry growth is impeded by weak reforms and lack of sector connections. Advocating for comprehensive, multi-faceted reforms, it stresses the necessity of collaboration between stakeholders to revitalise the mining sector. This transformation is essential for job creation and economic diversification, emphasising the industry’s crucial role in national interests.

Original Source: businessday.ng

The post Weak Reforms Hindering Nigeria’s Mining Industry Growth first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.