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

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In the last two years, Nigeria has enacted crucial reforms to revitalise its mining sector, aiming to attract investment and enhance its GDP contribution. Initiatives have streamlined licensing processes and reduced barriers for international investors, improving mineral production across Nigeria’s 44 solid mineral types. The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 will gather stakeholders and global investors to promote deals and sector growth.

The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency launched the Mineral Resources Decision Support System in May 2024. This platform offers global investors quick access to geological and policy data, showcasing Nigeria’s mineral wealth and infrastructure. By enhancing data transparency, it aims to facilitate investments and bolster investor confidence in the mining industry.

In August 2023, Nigeria restructured its Ministry of Mines and Steel Development into two entities to improve efficiency. The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development focuses on upstream activities, while the Ministry of Steel Development oversees steel and metallic resource development. This change is designed to enhance governance and attract targeted investments.

The Nigerian Minerals & Mining Bill, approved in April 2023, is currently under public review and aims to bolster foreign investment. It introduces incentives and strengthens local content requirements, serving as the primary legal framework for the sector. Once implemented, it will improve transparency and align the sector with global standards.

The Nigeria Mineral Value Chain Regulations, effective from July 2021, mandate local processing of certain raw minerals, fostering downstream investment. This policy spurred significant investments, such as Avatar Energy Materials’ lithium processing facility in Nasarawa State. These developments position Nigeria as a vital participant in the global critical minerals supply chain, which will be highlighted at AMW 2025.

African Mining Week is a prime event to explore the diverse mining opportunities across Africa, running alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Interested parties can contact [email protected] for more information on participation.

Nigeria’s mining reforms aim to revitalise the sector, attract foreign investments, and enhance GDP contributions through improved governance, transparency, and local processing initiatives. The restructuring of ministries, introduction of supportive legislation, and the launch of a data access platform demonstrate a robust commitment to unlocking the mining industry’s potential. The upcoming AMW 2025 will further provide a vital platform for collaboration between local and international stakeholders.

Original Source: energycapitalpower.com

The post Nigeria’s Mining Reforms: Attracting Investment and Driving Growth 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.

Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, regards his honorary fellowship from the Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) as a sign of the federal government’s dedication to enhancing the mining sector. He emphasised that advancing this sector is a shared responsibility among various stakeholders.

Speaking at the 60th annual NMGS International Conference and Exhibition, themed “Transformation of the Mineral, Energy, Water and Construction Sectors Through Innovations,” Alake noted a global shift in mining practices towards digital technologies. He encouraged embracing these innovations to attract investment and improve productivity.

The ministry is focusing on using geospatial data and remote sensing for mineral exploration, which can reduce uncertainties and enhance investment decisions. Alake also mentioned plans for establishing mineral processing hubs to increase value and depend less on raw mineral exports.

The minister, represented by Dr. Mary Ogbe, expressed the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for growth in mining. Initiatives will include enhancing regulatory frameworks, promoting research partnerships, and providing support for small-scale miners through access to funding and mechanisation.

Alake urged the NMGS to promote industry collaboration for transforming the mining sector and reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to harnessing the nation’s natural resources for broader development. He stated an intention to create a resilient future for Nigeria’s mining and geosciences sector.

Prof. Akinade Olatunji, NMGS President, highlighted the critical role of innovation in sustainable development across various sectors. He urged for policies that optimise Nigeria’s youthful, dynamic population to drive growth, aiming to eradicate poverty through strategic transformation.

The conferment of Dr. Dele Alake as an honorary fellow of NMGS marks a significant commitment to transforming Nigeria’s mining sector through innovation and collaboration. With efforts focused on digital technology adoption, regulatory enhancements, and support for local miners, there is an optimistic outlook for sustainable development in Nigeria’s mining and geosciences. Furthermore, the NMGS conference underscored the potential of innovation in resolving challenges across multiple sectors while aiming to utilise Nigeria’s abundant resources more effectively.

Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com

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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

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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 and Venezuela have engaged in discussions regarding investment opportunities in the mining sector during the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, highlighted the shift both countries must make from petroleum sales to solid minerals due to global energy transitions and economic pressures.

Alake emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to diversifying its economy under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on critical minerals like lithium and cobalt necessary for the global energy shift. He expressed that both nations can collaborate effectively to utilize their mineral resources sustainably, enhancing local economies.

In seeking to process minerals like lithium for local use instead of exporting them raw, Alake stressed the goal of creating jobs and boosting the economy through value-added production. He also invited Venezuela to participate in a new coalition named the Super Region, aimed at facilitating trade and economic independence for member countries.

Deputy Minister Alejandro Martinez praised Alake for recognising the shared challenges faced by both nations reliant on oil and eager to transition their economies. He expressed interest in Venezuelan investment, particularly in mining machinery, and requested support for investor engagements in Nigeria.

A delegation from Venezuela included the ambassadors to South Africa, indicating diplomatic support. Martinez conveyed appreciation from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for President Tinubu’s leadership.

Nigeria and Venezuela are exploring collaborative opportunities to develop their mining sectors, transitioning from oil dependence to solid minerals as a means of economic diversification. The focus is on sustainable resource exploitation, enhancing local economies by processing minerals for local use. Ultimately, this partnership aims to foster trade among similar countries facing economic challenges.

Original Source: fmino.gov.ng

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

At a lithium mining site in Nigeria, Abdullahi Ibrahim Danjija works diligently to extract valuable lithium from the rock. He chisels off pieces throughout the day, managing to fill three 50-kilogram bags. His efforts yield a profit of 150,000 nairas ($100), significantly surpassing Nigeria’s monthly minimum wage. This highlights both the potential for income through mining and the social implications of such manual labour in a country where many live in poverty.

Nigeria’s emerging lithium mining industry offers economic opportunities that could change lives, but it also raises concerns about workers’ rights and sustainability in a nation facing significant poverty. As mining grows, these critical issues must be addressed to ensure fair practices and environmental protection.

Original Source: www.messenger-inquirer.com

The post Nigeria’s Lithium Mining Boom Raises Concerns Amid Poverty first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Two Chinese companies, Canmax Technologies and Jiangxi Jiuling Lithium, have taken control of a Nigerian lithium refinery project, originally established in 2022 by Chinese entrepreneurs. The refinery, located in northern Nigeria, was controversial due to its name similarity to Ganfeng Lithium Group, a major global lithium supplier. The joint venture aims to enhance Nigeria’s lithium sector, which traditionally exports raw materials to China.

Ganfeng Nigeria initially confused the market when it began construction in 2023 and later clarified its lack of formal ties to Ganfeng Lithium Group. The project, with an estimated cost of $250 million, is set to boost local lithium production, coinciding with increasing Chinese investments in Africa’s lithium resources despite significant price drops.

Canmax Technologies plans to invest over $200 million in additional lithium mining sites in northern Nigeria, partnering with local company Three Crown Mines. The founder of Canmax, Pei Zhenhua, is notable for his investment ties to major electric vehicle battery manufacturers.

Nigeria is rich in untapped minerals, including lithium, but much of the extraction remains informal, conducted by small-scale miners. The Nigerian Ganfeng has secured a 10-year mining agreement under state government permits, with the refinery’s first phase expected to finish mid-year and the second phase in four months. Local officials express optimism about the investment’s potential.

The takeover of the Nigerian lithium project by Canmax and Jiuling represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s emerging lithium industry, aimed at satisfying increasing global demand. The collaboration highlights the trend of Chinese companies consolidating resources in Africa to secure essential materials for electric vehicle production. The project is poised to enhance Nigeria’s industrial capabilities while drawing attention to the challenges of informal mining in the country. Overall, these developments indicate a strategic shift in lithium sourcing closely aligned with rising electric vehicle demands.

Original Source: www.mining.com

The post Chinese Firms Expand Investment in Nigeria’s Lithium Refining Sector first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.