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.

Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, highlighted that current reforms aim to elevate Nigeria to a global mining hub during the 2024 Nigeria Mining Week. He stressed government efforts to enhance the sector, promote investment, and sanitise mining through various measures. The upcoming Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation aims to enhance partnerships for joint ventures, while initiatives against illegal mining have seen over 300 arrests. Establishing 250 artisanal mining cooperatives, he hopes to strengthen regulation. The Federal Government plans a multi-agency Mining Marshals squad for effective oversight using satellite technology. Furthermore, a new Centre of Excellence within the ministry will leverage data analytics for informed policymaking. President Bola Tinubu’s administration supports these reforms to establish Nigeria as a leader in responsible mining practices.

The Nigerian government is focusing on revitalising its mining sector to become a key player globally. This involves tackling illegal mining, promoting formal cooperative structures for artisanal miners, and enhancing investment climate through corporate reforms. The establishment of a Centre of Excellence aims to integrate advanced technologies in decision-making processes, ensuring well-informed policies and accountability in resource management. Such reforms are positioned to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth agenda.

In summary, Nigeria’s efforts to transform its mining sector under Dr. Alake’s leadership are focused on creating a reputable industry framework that fosters investment and curbs illegal activities. With the imminent establishment of a corporate entity and advanced monitoring capabilities, Nigeria is poised to enhance its global standing in mining. Support from the government further reinforces these initiatives, marking a significant shift towards responsible mining practices that underpin the nation’s economic aspirations.

Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com

The post Nigeria’s Reforms Set to Transform Mining Sector into Global Hub first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

In a bid to establish Nigeria as a prominent global mining hub, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, announced ongoing reforms that aim to enhance the sector’s reliability and investment appeal. Speaking at the 2024 Nigeria Mining Week, he outlined the government’s efforts to sanitise the mining environment through stringent measures against illegal mining and the promotion of cooperative ventures for artisanal miners.

Dr. Alake revealed the advanced progress on the establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation, intended to represent Nigeria internationally and facilitate joint ventures. He advocated for a dual strategy against illegal mining, incorporating both enforcement and cooperative measures, highlighting that over 300 illegal miners have been arrested.

Furthermore, a multi-agency Mining Marshals squad will be set up with security personnel supported by satellite technology for enhanced monitoring. A new Centre of Excellence within the Ministry aims to employ data analytics and AI to revolutionise resource management, ensuring transparency and informed policymaking.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by Minister Uche Nnaji, praised Dr. Alake’s commitment, asserting that these reforms will fundamentally support Nigeria’s economic development through mining. The government is dedicated to establishing high standards in responsible mining practices, reaffirming Nigeria’s future as a leader in mining technology.

The Nigerian government is currently reforming its mining sector to enhance its global competitiveness, particularly in the wake of past challenges with illegal mining and underinvestment. By establishing a solid corporate identity through the Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation and enhancing regulatory enforcement, the country’s administration seeks not only to improve the local mining environment but also to attract international partnerships and investments. The initiative aims to provide a robust framework for sustainable mining that can greatly contribute to the national economy.

In summary, Nigeria is on a strategic path to become a global mining hub through significant reforms under the leadership of Dr. Dele Alake. These reforms focus on creating a legitimate mining environment, establishing a corporate face for international engagement, and leveraging technology for better resource management. The commitment from the government promises to elevate the sector as a cornerstone of economic growth while addressing past challenges.

Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com

The post Nigeria’s Mining Sector Reforms Aim for Global Leadership first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has declared that ongoing reforms will position Nigeria as a leading global player in mining. Speaking at the 2024 Nigeria Mining Week, he outlined initiatives to improve the sector’s integrity, enhance international partnerships, and attract investments. Central to these changes is the nearing establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation, aimed at facilitating joint ventures in mining. Alake detailed efforts against illegal mining through aggressive enforcement and community engagement, resulting in several arrests and the formation of 250 artisanal mining cooperatives. He expressed future plans for a multi-agency Mining Marshals squad, utilising advanced technologies for site monitoring. Furthermore, a Centre of Excellence will be created within the Ministry, leveraging data analytics and AI to improve decision-making and operational efficiency in mining, significantly transforming resource governance. President Bola Tinubu, represented by Uche Nnaji, praised the reforms, stating they align with Nigeria’s economic growth strategy and the Renewed Hope Agenda, and affirmed government support for responsible mining practices. The focus will be on establishing Nigeria as a pioneering nation in mining technology, ensuring sustainable and efficient mining operations.

Nigeria’s mining sector has faced challenges such as illegal mining and lack of structure. The current administration aims to revitalise this sector through strategic reforms. By establishing a corporate entity for the mining sector, enforcing regulations, and encouraging formalisation of artisanal mining, the government seeks to enhance miner safety and attract investment. The introduction of advanced technologies and a multifaceted monitoring approach aims to reform and modernise mining operations, ultimately positioning Nigeria as a significant player in the global mining industry.

The Nigerian government’s reforms are set to revitalise the mining industry, focusing on enhanced regulations, illegal mining crackdown, and the establishment of a corporate entity to facilitate international partnerships. With technology and data-driven decision-making, Nigeria aims to transform its mineral resources management, making it a global mining hub and ensuring sustainable practices within the sector.

Original Source: www.zawya.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

The post Nigeria Arrests Nearly 300 Illegal Miners Through Mining Marshals Initiative first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, announced that nearly 300 illegal miners have been apprehended since the introduction of mining marshals in March. This initiative, aimed at securing mining sites, has involved the deployment of over 2,000 trained marshals from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to combat theft and illegal activities. Alake highlighted that this effort has led to a significant reduction in unauthorized mining and has fostered interest from international investors in the Nigerian mining sector.

Illegal mining has been a persistent issue in Nigeria, undermining local communities and posing risks to the country’s mining industry. To address these challenges, the Nigerian government established mining marshals, a security team designed to enforce mining laws and reduce illicit activities. Following the deployment of these marshals, there has been a notable crackdown on illegal mining operations, demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing security and attracting investment in the mineral sector.

The Nigerian government’s crackdown on illegal mining through the deployment of trained marshals appears to be yielding positive results. With almost 300 illegal miners arrested, the initiative demonstrates a firm commitment to securing mining sites, promoting investment, and retaining wealth through local processing. This strategy not only combats illegal activities but also positions Nigeria as a leader in setting mining standards across Africa.

Original Source: www.thecable.ng

The post Nigeria Arrests Nearly 300 Illegal Miners Following Security Initiative first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

In an ongoing crackdown on illegal mining, the Nigerian federal government has prosecuted several individuals arrested in Kogi and Ondo states. This operation, known as “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” led to the apprehension of two Chinese nationals and a Nigerian in Kogi for breaching mining regulations. Additionally, four suspects were caught in Ondo during a raid on an illegal gold mining site in a protected area. All suspects have been charged in the Federal High Court, Abuja, as the government intensifies efforts to sanitise the mining sector.

Illegal mining has become a significant issue in Nigeria, affecting the environment and economic growth. The federal government, under the guidance of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, aims to reform the sector through the establishment of the Mining Marshals, a trained group from the NSCDC dedicated to enforcing mining laws. This initiative is part of a multi-faceted strategy focusing on sustainability, legality, and the enhancement of monitoring capabilities in the mining sector.

The federal government’s commitment to combatting illegal mining is exemplified by ongoing legal actions against offenders in Kogi and Ondo states. With the increased enforcement capabilities of the Mining Marshals and a clear message for compliance with mining laws, the government aims to protect its mineral resources and ensure that mining contributes positively to the economy.

Original Source: nta.ng

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