The House of Representatives in Nigeria has called on the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to enhance lithium production as a means to boost revenue. This decision follows a motion by Rep. Victor Obuzor, highlighting the sector’s underdevelopment despite the country’s rich mineral resources.

Obuzor noted that mining’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP has plummeted from about five percent in the 1950s to less than 0.8 percent today, largely due to the rise of oil and gas. He advocated for increasing focus on lithium, critical for energy-dense batteries essential in renewable energy technologies.

Although Nigeria has undetermined lithium reserves, minerals have been found in states like Nasarawa and Kogi. Given rising global demand, with lithium prices soaring to over $46,000 by 2023, there are concerns about insufficient funding for mining initiatives. The Solid Minerals Development Fund has reportedly failed to invest significantly in lithium exploration.

To address this, the legislature proposed establishing the Nigerian Lithium Production Agency, responsible for creating a comprehensive lithium industry, developing infrastructure, and implementing a regulatory framework that would bolster investments in the entire lithium value chain. The House recommended increasing funding for the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency to facilitate proper mineral mapping and surveys.

Lithium is a vital mineral for rechargeable batteries, increasingly important in the shift towards clean energy. Despite Nigeria’s potential in lithium mining, the sector has been neglected over the years in favour of oil. The current move by the House of Representatives highlights a significant shift in policy to leverage natural resources for economic stability.

In summary, the Nigerian House of Representatives is pushing for enhanced lithium production to revive the mining sector, which has seen a sharp decline. With significant global demand for lithium, strategic investments and the establishment of a dedicated agency are seen as crucial steps for Nigeria to harness its mineral wealth effectively.

Original Source: dmarketforces.com

The post Nigerian Reps Advocate for Enhanced Lithium Production Amid Global Demand first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Edo State has surpassed Ogun and Kogi in the mining sector, achieving a production total of 19.4 million tonnes, primarily aided by the Dangote Group’s dominance, which now controls 54.2% of the market. The latest Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) audit revealed that a record 2,833 licences were issued in 2023, a significant increase from the previous year, indicating a burgeoning interest in solid mineral operations. Challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, funding, and regulatory issues persist, but the sector saw a 34.4% rise in total production, reaching approximately 95 million tonnes. Regulatory recommendations from NEITI aim to enhance operational transparency and compliance, fostering an investment-friendly mining landscape in Nigeria.

The mining sector in Nigeria has long been overshadowed by oil, with limited government support and policy implementation for minerals. Despite possessing vast reserves of various minerals, including iron ore and gold, the industry faces significant underexploitation. The NEITI audit is crucial as it provides insights into financial flows and identifies obstacles within the sector, shedding light on operational transparency and regulatory compliance necessary for attracting investment.

Edo State’s ascent in the mining sector illustrates a significant shift, driven by increased licensing and production, despite ongoing regulatory and infrastructural challenges. The NEITI audit highlights the necessity for stronger governance to encourage serious investment and address the high incidence of speculative operators. Moving forward, addressing these concerns will be vital for harnessing Nigeria’s solid mineral potential effectively.

Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com

The post Edo State Leads Mining Sector Growth as Dangote Dominates with 54.2% first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

In October 2024, the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO) generated an impressive revenue of N8,199,976,300, as reported by the Director General, Engr. Obadiah Nkom, during a Senate oversight visit led by Senator Sampson Ekong. Since its inception, NMCO has amassed N36,048,229,019 in total revenue, with 75% of this amount—N26,230,733,463—generated between 2019 and October 2024. The agency’s revenue has seen a significant increase due to reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and digitising operations. Despite these accomplishments, NMCO faces challenges, including funding shortages, office space constraints, and insufficient power supply, which hinder operational efficiency. Senator Ekong acknowledged the visit’s value, noting a commitment to addressing these challenges to bolster Nigeria’s mining sector.

The Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO) plays a crucial role in regulating the country’s mining activities and managing revenues generated from mineral licensing. The trending growth in revenue reflects the agency’s improved operational practices, including digital transformations and transparency initiatives, which have collectively enhanced revenue collection. However, operational obstacles must be addressed to maintain this revenue momentum and ensure the agency’s sustainability and productivity in the mining sector.

The NMCO’s recent revenue achievements underscore the agency’s successful reforms and potential for future growth in Nigeria’s mining sector. Nevertheless, addressing operational challenges such as funding, infrastructure, and personnel shortages remains vital for sustaining and increasing productivity. The commitment from legislative bodies to support NMCO will also be crucial in overcoming these hurdles and enhancing the agency’s contribution to the national economy.

Original Source: nairametrics.com

The post NMCO Reports N8bn Revenue in October 2024 Amidst Operational Challenges first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Edo State has surpassed Ogun and Kogi in the mining sector as the Dangote Group has increased its market control to 54.2%, according to the 2023 Solid Minerals Industry Audit by NEITI. The audit highlights a surge in licences issued, increasing by 114% compared to the previous year. Nigeria possesses substantial mineral reserves, yet remains largely underdeveloped due to challenges such as lack of infrastructure, funding issues, and a weak regulatory framework.

During the audit period, mineral production rose to 95 million tonnes, an increase of 34.4%. Key contributors to this production were major companies like Dangote, BUA, and Lafarge, which collectively produced over 51 million tonnes and paid significant royalties. NEITI emphasises the need for improved monitoring and enforcement within the sector to counteract non-active operators and illegal mining, recommending penalties for non-usage of licences and enhanced governmental support for the mining industry.

The mineral sector in Nigeria, notably overshadowed by oil, is beginning to garner attention as new reports reveal significant activity from companies like the Dangote Group. NEITI’s audit report highlights both the increase in licences and the production of minerals, indicating a shift towards more robust mining operations. However, numerous issues still hamper growth, including inadequate infrastructure and lack of government support, which need addressing to realise Nigeria’s full mineral potential.

The latest NEITI report underscores a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s mining sector, showcasing rising production figures and increased licence issuance. With Dangote’s dominant share and significant contributions from other major companies, there is potential for substantial growth. However, resolving infrastructural deficits and regulatory challenges will be critical in fostering a sustainable mining environment and attracting foreign investment.

Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com

The post Dangote Dominates Nigeria’s Mining Sector with 54.2% Market Share first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria possesses vast mineral resources essential for the global energy transition, including lithium, nickel, and significant quantities of gold and gemstones. However, due to a historical reliance on oil, the mining sector has been neglected, suffering from outdated legislation and ineffective governance. To stimulate growth, Nigeria must update mining laws, improve data reliability, attract investment, and ensure illegal mining is curbed. Significant reforms, including the establishment of a regulatory commission and community-based initiatives, are critical for transforming the sector and optimising its economic benefits.

Nigeria’s mining sector, despite being rich in essential minerals for batteries and other technologies, has been overshadowed by its oil wealth since the 1960s. The discovery of oil diverted attention from mining, leading to a decline in the industry. Current legislation is outdated and conflicts with state-level land governance, hindering investment. With the support of international financial institutions, there is progress in data collection and accessibility, yet substantial reform is required to realise the full potential of the sector and combat illegal mining operations that cost the country billions annually.

To unlock Nigeria’s mineral wealth, comprehensive reforms are urgently needed. This includes revising outdated laws to align with modern practices, enhancing the governance structure, and curtailing illegal mining. Implementing these measures will stimulate investment in the sector, boost economic growth, and ensure sustainable development while safeguarding community interests. The government’s proactive steps are essential to avoid repeating past mistakes and harnessing the full potential of Nigeria’s rich mineral resources.

Original Source: blogs.lse.ac.uk

The post Unlocking Nigeria’s Mineral Potential Through Effective Governance first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO) achieved a remarkable revenue of ₦8.2 billion in October 2024, underscoring its pivotal role in the country’s economic diversification strategy. Engr. Obadiah Nkom, the Director General, reported this during a Senate Committee visit, highlighting a significant revenue increase driven by improved regulatory frameworks, transparency, and digitalisation in mining operations. Since its inception, NMCO has generated over ₦36 billion, with 100% remitted to the Federal Treasury. The agency also faces operational challenges, including staffing, power supply issues, and inadequate resources for efficient workflow. The Senate Committee emphasised the need for ongoing reforms to bolster the mining sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy.

The Nigerian Mining Cadastre Agency is pivotal in streamlining the mining sector by issuing licenses and monitoring revenue collection. Recent years have seen an increasing trend in revenue generation linked to improved systems and enforcement measures. As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy beyond oil, the mining sector plays a crucial role, necessitating regulatory enhancements and increased operational efficiency within the NMCO’s framework.

In summary, the NMCO has achieved a record revenue collection, reflecting its strengthened operational capacities and commitment to transparency. However, the agency’s performance is hindered by several operational challenges that need addressing. The Senate Committee’s engagement highlights the ongoing reforms necessary to enhance the effectiveness of the mining sector and ensure its significant contribution to Nigeria’s economic landscape.

Original Source: von.gov.ng

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