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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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.

Nigeria is opening its mining sector to Venezuelan investors, a move aimed at boosting foreign investments. This initiative was discussed during the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, where Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, met with Venezuela’s Deputy Minister of Mining, Alejandro Martinez. They explored opportunities for cooperation in the mining sector to strengthen economic ties between the two nations.

Alake highlighted the need for Nigeria to diversify from petroleum, noting the global shift towards green energy and the importance of mining critical minerals like lithium and cobalt. He stated, “Nigeria focused on petroleum. Now, the world is moving to green energy. Compulsorily, we have to shift our attention to our minerals.”

Emphasising local value addition, Alake expressed Nigeria’s desire for lithium to be processed domestically to create jobs and stimulate the economy. He invited Venezuela to join a new coalition for mining countries aiming for trade and economic independence.

Martinez acknowledged the challenges faced by both oil-producing countries and expressed Venezuela’s eagerness to collaborate. He conveyed gratitude from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu for support and urged investment facilitation through closer ties between the two nations.

Nigeria and Venezuela’s partnership aims to diversify economies through mining, highlighting the importance of local processing and collaboration. Both countries seek to exploit their resources sustainably, focusing on critical minerals needed for the energy transition.

Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com

The post Nigeria and Venezuela Forge Mining Partnership to Boost Economic Ties first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Nigerian federal government plans to set up a new mining corporation, the Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation, to enhance the mining sector’s growth. This announcement was made by Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, during an XSpace discussion.

The corporation will be managed by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and is expected to launch soon. It aims to serve as a specialized vehicle focused on advancing Nigeria’s mining industry, allowing Nigerians to hold equity in the corporation.

Equity distribution will aim to balance public and private interests: the federal government and citizens will each hold 25% while the private sector will own the remaining 50%. This structure is designed to minimise government interference and ensure sustainability beyond current administrations.

In parallel, Minister Alake has proposed establishing a mining development bank to assist in providing long-term financing for the sector. He urged mining company CEOs to lead this initiative, which aims to reduce government involvement and enhance the sustainability of the sector.

Furthermore, the government is working on removing obstacles that hinder business operations in the mining industry, fostering a better investment climate in Nigeria.

The establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation marks a significant step towards revitalising Nigeria’s mining industry by encouraging private sector participation and equity distribution. The proposal for a mining development bank further aims to sustain industry growth while reducing government involvement. Overall, these initiatives indicate a strategic effort to create a conducive environment for investment in Nigeria’s mining sector.

Original Source: www.tv360nigeria.com

The post Nigeria to Establish Solid Minerals Corporation to Boost Mining Sector first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Nigerian federal government has unveiled plans to establish a mining corporation, as announced by Segun Tomori, the media assistant to Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake. This corporation will be overseen by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and aims to be a private sector-driven initiative with projected equity distribution: 25% for Nigerians, 25% for the federal government, and 50% for private investors. This structure is designed to reduce government and political interference in the mining sector.

Minister Alake is also advocating for the creation of a mining development bank to provide long-term financing for the industry. In a recent address, he urged mining CEOs to lead the establishment of this bank, which aims to minimise government involvement and promote sustainable growth in the sector. The ongoing efforts by the federal government focus on removing barriers to enhance business operations and encourage viable investments in mining.

The Nigerian government is taking significant steps to boost the mining sector by launching a dedicated corporation and advocating for the establishment of a mining development bank. These initiatives aim to encourage private investment, reduce government intervention, and ensure sustainable growth within the industry.

Original Source: www.thecable.ng

The post Nigerian Government to Launch Mining Corporation and Development Bank 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.

Venezuelan Deputy Minister of Mining, Alejandro Martinez, has announced that Venezuelan investors are keen to explore opportunities within Nigeria’s mining sector. This interest was conveyed during discussions with Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, at the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa. Martinez noted that Venezuelan investors, particularly those in mining machinery production, are eager to collaborate and seek assistance in facilitating visits to Nigeria for investment insights.

Minister Alake highlighted that both countries previously benefited from petroleum but now face the need to diversify into solid minerals due to global warming and economic pressures. He emphasised that Nigeria has significant mineral resources crucial for energy transition, such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements. Alake stressed the importance of processing minerals locally to generate employment and economic growth.

Alake called on Venezuela to join a new coalition of nations, termed the “Super Region,” aimed at facilitating trade among member countries and leveraging shared economic challenges for collective gain. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with Venezuela on mineral exploitation and ensured that any projects would focus on local value addition and sustainability. The meeting saw participation from key Venezuelan officials, including the Ambassador to South Africa, Carlos Fed Acevedo.

The collaboration between Venezuela and Nigeria in the mining sector emerges as both countries seek to diversify their economies. With a shared background in petroleum production, both nations are now facing the reality of shifting global energy demands. Venezuela’s interest in Nigeria’s mining sector comes at a time when Nigeria is keen to exploit its mineral resources to boost economic independence and local employment. This partnership presents opportunities to harness each nation’s strengths for mutual benefit, particularly in mineral processing and trade.

The engagement between Venezuelan and Nigerian officials points towards a promising partnership in the mining sector. With a strong focus on sustainable development and local value addition, both nations are committed to leveraging their mineral resources effectively. As they navigate economic diversification, initiatives like the ‘Super Region’ coalition could strengthen their cooperative efforts and enhance trade relations, ensuring growth in the increasingly important mining sector.

Original Source: punchng.com

The post Venezuelan Investors Show Interest in Nigeria’s Mining Sector first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria and Venezuela are exploring mining sector investment opportunities following discussions at the Mining Indaba in Cape Town. Dr Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, highlighted the shift from petroleum to solid minerals due to global energy transitions. He stated that diversifying economies aligns with President Tinubu’s agenda, emphasising the importance of minerals like lithium and cobalt for the energy transition.

Alake expressed readiness for cooperation in mineral exploitation and trade, aiming for local processing and job creation. He invited Venezuela to join a coalition named the Super Region, designed to enhance trade among countries with similar economic goals. Venezuelan Deputy Minister Alejandro Martinez acknowledged both nations’ shared challenges and expressed interest in exploring Nigerian mining markets, seeking local investment facilitation.

Both Nigeria and Venezuela have historically relied on petroleum exports, facing economic challenges related to global climate policies. As the world shifts towards green energy solutions, both nations are now focusing on sustainable alternatives in the mining sector. The ongoing discussions signify a strategic move to explore and develop their mineral resources for economic diversification and local value addition.

The discussions between Nigeria and Venezuela signal a cooperative approach to mining, focusing on jobs and local processing of minerals. The invitation to join the Super Region coalition represents an opportunity for collaboration among countries facing similar economic challenges. Both nations are committed to leveraging their mining sectors to achieve sustainable economic growth.

Original Source: blueprint.ng

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

Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister for Solid Minerals Development, has highlighted insecurity and insufficient funding as the main obstacles to the nation’s mining sector growth. He has called on the Senate for increased financial support to facilitate thorough exploration of Nigeria’s rich mineral resources.

During an investigative hearing by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Alake pointed out that poor funding hampers exploration and limits the sector’s potential in economic diversification. He expressed concern over Nigeria’s meagre $2.5 million investment in mining exploration, which ranks it 12th in Africa behind countries like Ivory Coast and the Congo.

Alake lamented the country’s low exploration budget compared to Africa’s leaders, with Ivory Coast investing $147 million. He proposed a funding requirement of N70 billion to enhance exploration across Nigeria, warning that the upcoming budget may hinder progress without legislative support.

To combat illegal mining, the Minister introduced a 2,220-strong Mining Marshals unit, deploying operatives across the states. He explained the various categories of illegal miners and revealed that Nigeria loses over $9 billion annually due to illegal mining activities.

In addition to the Marshals, Alake disclosed ongoing initiatives aimed at advocating for legalisation of artisanal mining, including a radio campaign to promote cooperative formation. This effort aims to align with the government’s new value addition policy, with plans for establishing six processing centres across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Alake’s commitment to solid minerals development, emphasising collaboration between the legislature and executive to tackle issues arising from illegal mining. The Senate Committee Chair, Ekong Sampson, reiterated the importance of addressing challenges to maximise the economic benefits of Nigeria’s vast mineral resources.

The Nigerian mining sector faces significant challenges, primarily due to insecurity and inadequate funding. These issues detract from the sector’s potential to serve as a key driver for economic diversification. The call for legislative backing and increased investment highlights the government’s recognition of the mining sector’s expansive potential, stemming from the rich mineral deposits available throughout the country.

In summary, Dele Alake has underscored the critical issues of insecurity and funding in Nigeria’s mining sector. He is advocating for legislative support and increased investment to enhance exploration efforts and combat illegal mining. With collaboration between the Senate and the Ministry, there is hope for a revitalised mining sector that contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s economy.

Original Source: businessday.ng

The post Insecurity and Funding Issues Restrain Nigeria’s Mining Sector Growth first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.