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

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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

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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

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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

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Nigeria has signed a funding agreement with France to enhance geological data exploration in its mining sector through the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). This collaboration aims to improve Nigeria’s capability in assessing its mineral resources, marking a concerted effort to revitalise the industry. By leveraging France’s financial and technical support, Nigeria is committed to upgrading its geological infrastructure to address existing challenges such as outdated technologies and inadequate facilities.

The partnership between Nigeria and France is a strategic move to bolster Nigeria’s mining sector, which has faced significant challenges such as declining production and limited technological access. With a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in December 2024, both nations aim to enhance the critical minerals value chain and promote sustainable mining practices. The initiative is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to attract international investment and modernise its mining operations.

In summary, the agreement between Nigeria and France is pivotal in transforming Nigeria’s mining landscape. By gaining access to advanced technologies and fostering local expertise, Nigeria aims to overcome its mining sector challenges. This partnership could serve as a model for future collaborations in addressing global resource management challenges effectively.

Original Source: africa.businessinsider.com

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The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has voiced his discontent over the drastic cut of his ministry’s proposed budget from N531 billion to N9 billion. He characterised this reduction as unacceptable while seeking an increase, though he did not specify the desired amount. Alake has formally protested to the National Assembly, asserting that the current allocation is insufficient to unlock Nigeria’s mining potential and that such limitations would stifle potential investments vital for exploration and growth in the sector. Furthermore, he highlighted that the 2024 revenue projections exceeded expectations, generating N38 billion, thus demonstrating the capacity for growth in the mining sector despite the minimal budgetary support.

The significant reduction of Nigeria’s mining sector budget poses a serious challenge to its economic diversification efforts, as it heavily relies on oil revenue. The proposed cut could undermine ongoing reforms and achievements within the mining industry. Recent figures indicated that reforms helped create 45,000 jobs and exceeded revenue expectations. The government, represented by the Minister and the Joint National Assembly Committee on Solid Minerals, expresses concerns about the implications of such a minimal budget and its impact on future investments and sustainable economic growth.

The drastic cut in the mining sector budget has spurred considerable backlash from the Minister and legislative committees, who argue that it threatens the future potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals industry. With calls for a budget increase, the focus remains on ensuring significant investments for exploration to sustain economic diversification beyond oil reliance. Concerns about job creation and revenue generation continue to be pivotal in discussions surrounding the budget allocation for the mining sector.

Original Source: 21stcenturychronicle.com

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The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has expressed strong disapproval of the N9 billion budget allocated for Nigeria’s mining sector in 2025, calling for a significant increase. In a post on X, Alake argued that this financial allocation is insufficient to harness the country’s mining potential, despite the sector generating N38 billion in revenue in 2024, exceeding an initial projection of N11 billion. He emphasised that to secure substantial investments in exploration activities, an upward review of the budget is essential.

Alake pointed out the success of mining reforms in 2024, which resulted in 45,000 new jobs and enabled Nigeria to attract global attention in the sector. He asserted that the N9 billion budget would severely limit exploration efforts and hinder necessary geo-data generation to engage major investors. Furthermore, the Joint National Assembly Committee on Solid Minerals has also rejected the proposed budget, advocating for increased funding to promote solid minerals as a critical component of economic diversification. Committee Chair Senator Ekong Sampson highlighted the crucial need for investment in exploration to facilitate Nigeria’s green energy transition.

Nigeria is Africa’s leading energy producer but struggles to leverage its mineral resources effectively, contributing less than 1% to its GDP. Persistent challenges include inadequate incentives, rampant illegal activities, and low investment levels. The country aims to diversify its economy and harness the potential of its solid minerals sector, which is viewed as key for future economic stability and growth. Recent reforms demonstrated the possibility of job creation and revenue generation, but the budgetary allocation needs considerable enhancement to facilitate further progress.

In summary, Dr. Dele Alake’s call for an increased budget for Nigeria’s mining sector underscores the necessity of substantial investment for exploration and growth. With the Joint National Assembly Committee echoing his concerns, there is a growing consensus on the urgent need for policy adjustments to ensure Nigeria capitalises on its mineral wealth and drives economic diversification away from oil dependency. Without adequate funding, opportunities for future generations may be severely compromised.

Original Source: nairametrics.com

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Since President Bola Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023, significant efforts have been made to enhance Nigeria’s mining sector as part of his wider strategy to diversify the economy. Acknowledging Nigeria’s wealth in critical minerals vital for global energy transition, Tinubu’s administration faces the challenge that despite possessing 44 commercially viable minerals, the sector has historically underperformed in contributing to GDP.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, declared a state of emergency upon his appointment. He linked illegal mining operations to funding for banditry, hampering revenue potential. In response, the government implemented a combination of law enforcement and cooperative incentives. A dedicated security unit known as the Mining Marshals was created to ensure protection and legality in mining activities, resulting in the arrest of over 300 illegal miners. Additionally, 250 cooperatives were initiated to formalise artisanal miners’ operations.

Key policies introduced include the Value Addition Policy, designed to require mining companies to present value-adding initiatives before obtaining licences. This is supported by the inauguration of a state-of-the-art laboratory for geochemical analysis, intended to improve exploration initiatives. Recent developments include a lithium processing laboratory and a tin processing plant, signalling progress in mineral processing capabilities.

July 2024 saw the introduction of increased rates and charges for mining activities, aimed at enhancing the sector’s economic contribution and improving infrastructure. The revocation of 924 dormant mining licences aims to clean the industry and boost foreign investment. While NAITI reports GDP contributions increased from N1.66 trillion in 2022 to N1.76 trillion in 2023, there is consensus that further improvements depend on addressing state interference and over-regulation.

The government’s decision to lift the mining exploration ban in Zamfara is also seen as a step towards revenue recovery. Stakeholders advocate for mandatory local content usage in oil and gas industries to enhance national revenue further. Upcoming mining conferences underline the need for technological advancements and collaborative efforts to reinforce the sector’s growth.

While optimism surrounds Tinubu’s reforms, stakeholders emphasise the importance of consistent and actionable policies in achieving sustainable progress. The minister mentioned plans for further reforms in 2025 to build on 2024’s achievements.

Nigeria’s mining sector, endowed with 44 commercially viable minerals, has historically played a minimal role in national GDP despite its potential. President Bola Tinubu’s administration has initiated efforts to revitalise the sector, focusing on addressing illegal mining’s impact on security and economic performance. This sector transformation aims to pivot Nigeria’s economy away from a mono-cultural reliance on oil, leveraging solid minerals for sustainable growth and stability.

The revitalisation of Nigeria’s mining sector under President Tinubu aims to elevate its economic contribution by addressing illegal activities and promoting value addition. Key strategies involve both coercive measures to enforce legality and initiatives to formalise artisanal operations. Despite initial progress reflected in GDP growth, overcoming structural challenges and ensuring effective policy implementation will be crucial for long-term success and development in the sector.

Original Source: nannews.ng

The post Transforming Nigeria’s Mining Sector: Progress Under Tinubu’s Administration first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria has lifted a five-year suspension on mining activities in Zamfara state, allowing exploration to resume in a region rich in gold, lithium, and copper. The ban, imposed in 2019 due to rising violence from bandit attacks, crippled the local mining sector. Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dele Alake, attributed the lifting of the ban to enhanced security measures. These improvements are expected to help formalise the mining industry and contribute to government revenues as illegal mining had escalated during the suspension.

Zamfara’s mining potential is significant, but it has suffered from rampant insecurity and illegal activities amidst the ban. The Nigerian government aims to diversify its economy, heavily reliant on oil exports, by strengthening the mining sector, which currently contributes less than 1% to GDP. Initiatives include revoking inactive mining licenses, establishing a national mining company with foreign investment, and limiting unprocessed mineral exports. Recent agreements with international partners further aim to enhance Nigeria’s mining capacity.

The mining sector in Nigeria has faced substantial setbacks due to security issues, especially in Zamfara state, a key mining region. The 2019 suspension of mining exploration was a response to rampant banditry and violence that compromised safety and regulatory compliance. With the current government under pressure to diversify the economy from oil dependency, revitalising the mining sector presents a vital opportunity for economic growth and stability.

The lifting of the ban on mining explorations in Zamfara is a pivotal step towards restoring order in the mining sector, contributing to economic diversification and enhancing state and national revenues. With improved security and international collaboration, Nigeria aims to transform its mining industry, which could play a significant role in the national economy moving forward.

Original Source: www.chemanalyst.com

The post Nigeria Resumes Mining in Zamfara After Five-Year Suspension first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria has lifted its five-year mining ban in Zamfara State, a decision prompted by improved security conditions. Initially imposed in 2019 due to significant bandit attacks, the ban had left the state’s rich deposits of gold, lithium, and copper underutilised. Mining Minister Dele Alake credited enhanced security efforts for this turnaround and emphasised the region’s vast natural resources that could greatly boost national revenue. In a bid to diversify its economy, which heavily relies on oil, Nigeria aims to amplify the mining sector’s contribution, currently less than 1% of GDP, through reforms designed to attract investors.

The mining ban in Zamfara State, which lasted five years, was a response to increasing violence and instability linked to banditry. The region is known for its mineral wealth, including significant reserves of gold, lithium, and copper. Nigeria’s intended shift towards diversifying its economy from a predominant oil dependency underlines a national strategy to enhance other sectors, including mining. This lifting of the ban and reforms represent a critical step in revitalising the industry and attracting foreign investment.

In conclusion, lifting the mining ban in Zamfara State marks a significant development in Nigeria’s efforts to exploit its rich mineral resources and reduce its reliance on oil. With enhanced security and strategic reforms to attract investment, the country is positioned to enhance the role of the mining sector in its economy, aiming for greater contributions to GDP and national revenue.

Original Source: www.africa.com

The post Nigeria Ends Five-Year Mining Ban in Zamfara Amid Security Improvements first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.