The Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO) has raised concerns over the inadequate capacity of some mining title holders, particularly those holding multiple cadastral units. This issue, highlighted by NMCO Director General Dr Obadiah Nkom during the ninth Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, is hindering genuine investors’ entry into the mining sector. To rectify this, a new mining regime was introduced in July, focusing on competent operators and adhering to a ‘first come, first served’ principle. Nkom noted improvements, including increased investment and the cancellation of unused licenses, affirming NMCO’s role in promoting responsible mineral resource management and supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy.

The challenges faced by mining title holders in Nigeria are crucial for understanding the landscape of the mining sector. The NMCO is responsible for managing mineral rights in the country, aiming to attract investment and ensure sustainable resource management. The introduction of a new mining regime indicates an effort to address the gaps in capacity and effectively allocate titles to operators who can develop them, thereby bolstering the sector’s contribution to economic growth. This situation is particularly relevant as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy.

The NMCO’s initiatives reflect a strategic move towards enhancing the capacity and accountability of mining title holders in Nigeria. By implementing a new regime that prioritises capable operators and the productive use of mining titles, the agency aims to attract genuine investment, ensure compliance, and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic ambitions. Ongoing improvements signal a promising future for the mining industry in Nigeria.

Original Source: nannews.ng

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Nigeria recently held a three-day conference to commemorate National Mining Week as part of efforts to boost the country’s mining sector. With rising global demand for minerals, the government aims to attract investments and local processing for mined materials. Noteworthy initiatives include requiring new investors to establish local processing plants and a crackdown on illegal mining activities. Authorities have announced the deployment of the Mining Marshal Corps, with over 300 illegal miners apprehended, highlighting ongoing challenges in the sector, which currently contributes a mere 0.77% to GDP.

The Nigerian mining industry boasts over 40 mineral deposits, including tin, iron ore, lead, zinc, and gold. However, illegal exploitation and insufficient local revenue generation hinder growth. The government seeks to address these issues through improved regulations, local manufacturing incentives, and increased surveillance to combat illegal mining, which has become rampant amid security challenges in the region.

While Nigeria’s government is taking steps to foster growth in the mining sector, significant challenges remain. The push for local processing is a key strategy, but experts suggest that without serious commitment from the authorities, the sector will continue to underperform. Enhancing local revenue generation and controlling illegal mining are crucial for unlocking the industry’s potential.

Original Source: www.voanews.com

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In Plateau State, illicit tin mining thrives as individuals like Emma Kago profit without legal oversight. Kago’s operation employs seven workers and functions without a mining licence, claiming regulatory authorities chiefly target foreign miners. Artisanal miners extract tin, which is then sold through numerous informal “tin sheds” that avoid tracking their sources, circumventing Nigeria’s mining regulations, and depriving the government of revenue. Despite a surge in tin production, which now feeds into renewable energy demands, Nigeria’s solid mineral sector contributes marginally to the GDP, highlighting an endemic issue of illegal mining and inadequate regulation. Experts stress that while the miners earn, the bulk of the profits predominantly benefits larger traders and exporters, leaving artisanal miners undercompensated. With billions lost annually to illegal activities, systemic reform is necessary for any substantial economic benefit from these resources.

Tin mining in Plateau State, Nigeria, has a storied history dating back to colonial times, once contributing significantly to global supply. Despite a rise in demand due to the transition to renewable energy, illegal mining dominates due to a lack of stringent regulations and oversight. This has created a parallel market where only a fraction of the profits benefits the state, with most resources siphoned away by unregulated traders. The government attempts to address this with initiatives and regulations, but their implementation has been largely ineffective, leading to significant revenue losses.

The ongoing illicit tin mining in Plateau State illustrates a deep-rooted issue of unregulated practices undermining national revenue. While there is high demand globally—and profitability for some local miners—most financial gains concentrate in the hands of larger traders and exporters. For Nigeria to effectively harness its mineral wealth, there need to be stronger enforcement of regulations and a reform in how mineral resources are managed in the region.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com

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The Nigerian government has made significant strides in combating illegal mining, arresting nearly 300 illegal miners in just eight months since the launch of the Mining Marshals. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, reported these developments during a briefing with the House Committee on Solid Minerals. The Mining Marshals, inaugurated in March 2024, form a specialized security force tasked with protecting the nation’s mining operations from illegal activities. With over 2,000 trained marshals deployed to various sites, the initiative has already led to a noticeable reduction in unauthorized mining activities, positively impacting local communities and enhancing the country’s reputation in the global mining sector. Alake emphasised that the renewed security measures are critical for both safeguarding mining sites and attracting investors keen on reliable partnerships, laying the groundwork for increased domestic mineral processing and value addition.

Illegal mining has posed serious threats to Nigeria’s economy and community safety, prompting the government to take action. The establishment of the Mining Marshals aims to address these issues through increased security and enforcement measures. The initiative aligns with the broader goal of enhancing Nigeria’s mining sector, mitigating illegal activities, and ensuring a more stable environment for potential investors. Furthermore, focusing on in-country mineral processing can help Nigeria retain greater wealth from its natural resources.

In summary, the Nigerian government’s formation of the Mining Marshals has led to the arrest of nearly 300 illegal miners in eight months, marking a significant step towards regulating the mining sector. The initiative strengthens security frameworks and fosters a more stable mining environment, crucial for attracting investment and promoting domestic mineral value addition practices. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for similar efforts across Africa.

Original Source: dailypost.ng

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