Nigeria has reinstated mining operations in Zamfara state following a five-year ban due to improved security conditions. The ban was initially imposed in 2019 after persistent bandit attacks in the region. Mining Minister Dele Alake remarked that enhanced security measures have reduced insecurity levels, enabling the mining sector to contribute more significantly to the national economy. Zamfara is rich in gold, lithium, and copper, which, once exploited legally, could augment Nigeria’s revenue.

Zamfara state, located in northwestern Nigeria, has vast natural resources, including gold, lithium, and copper. The state faced significant challenges due to insecurity from banditry, prompting the government to impose a mining ban in 2019. As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy—currently heavily reliant on oil—it aims to bolster its mining sector, which contributes less than 1% to the GDP. Recent reforms and international collaborations aim to attract investments and enhance productivity in this sector.

The lifting of the mining ban in Zamfara represents a strategic move by the Nigerian government to revitalise its mining sector. With improved security and ongoing international partnerships, Nigeria hopes to increase its economic contributions from mining and reduce its over-dependence on oil revenues.

Original Source: www.kitco.com

The post Nigeria Restarts Mining in Zamfara State Following Improved Security first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Tanzania is positioning itself as a frontrunner in Africa’s strategic mineral sector, with expectations of a significant surge in global demand for critical resources by 2050. During a stakeholder meeting, Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde highlighted the country’s abundant mineral reserves, particularly in nickel, lithium, and graphite, vital for clean energy. Currently, global graphite demand is estimated at 6.5 million tonnes annually, but production is only at 1.2 million tonnes, with China dominating at 64% of the total. In Africa, Madagascar leads with 13%, Mozambique with 10%, and Tanzania follows in third place, contributing 0.6%.

The increasing global demand for strategic minerals, particularly for clean energy technologies, makes countries with rich mineral reserves crucial in shaping the future market. Tanzania’s mineral resources, especially in graphite—which is essential for batteries and other technologies—provide it with a competitive edge in the evolving landscape of the mining industry. The projected rise in demand by 2050 magnifies the importance of African nations in the global market.

Tanzania is actively working to enhance its status in the mining sector by leveraging its rich mineral resources. With strategic minerals like nickel, lithium, and graphite in high demand for clean energy, the country aims to increase its market share significantly. As the global demand for these minerals rises, Tanzania’s position as a significant contributor could reshape mining dynamics in Africa and beyond.

Original Source: africanminingmarket.com

The post Tanzania’s Ambitious Plans to Lead Africa in Mining Sector first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.