In the last two years, Nigeria has enacted crucial reforms to revitalise its mining sector, aiming to attract investment and enhance its GDP contribution. Initiatives have streamlined licensing processes and reduced barriers for international investors, improving mineral production across Nigeria’s 44 solid mineral types. The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 will gather stakeholders and global investors to promote deals and sector growth.

The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency launched the Mineral Resources Decision Support System in May 2024. This platform offers global investors quick access to geological and policy data, showcasing Nigeria’s mineral wealth and infrastructure. By enhancing data transparency, it aims to facilitate investments and bolster investor confidence in the mining industry.

In August 2023, Nigeria restructured its Ministry of Mines and Steel Development into two entities to improve efficiency. The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development focuses on upstream activities, while the Ministry of Steel Development oversees steel and metallic resource development. This change is designed to enhance governance and attract targeted investments.

The Nigerian Minerals & Mining Bill, approved in April 2023, is currently under public review and aims to bolster foreign investment. It introduces incentives and strengthens local content requirements, serving as the primary legal framework for the sector. Once implemented, it will improve transparency and align the sector with global standards.

The Nigeria Mineral Value Chain Regulations, effective from July 2021, mandate local processing of certain raw minerals, fostering downstream investment. This policy spurred significant investments, such as Avatar Energy Materials’ lithium processing facility in Nasarawa State. These developments position Nigeria as a vital participant in the global critical minerals supply chain, which will be highlighted at AMW 2025.

African Mining Week is a prime event to explore the diverse mining opportunities across Africa, running alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Interested parties can contact [email protected] for more information on participation.

Nigeria’s mining reforms aim to revitalise the sector, attract foreign investments, and enhance GDP contributions through improved governance, transparency, and local processing initiatives. The restructuring of ministries, introduction of supportive legislation, and the launch of a data access platform demonstrate a robust commitment to unlocking the mining industry’s potential. The upcoming AMW 2025 will further provide a vital platform for collaboration between local and international stakeholders.

Original Source: energycapitalpower.com

The post Nigeria’s Mining Reforms: Attracting Investment and Driving Growth first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Lafarge Africa Plc has conducted a successful three-day training programme for Geoscientists and Mining Engineers at its Ewekoro, Ogun State Training Centre. Collaborating with the Ogun State Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, the programme offered participants expert insights and practical learning, enhancing their skills in mining operations.

Twenty-five participants attended sessions that covered mining best practices, safety, raw materials management, and community engagement. They also toured the Lafarge Ewekoro Quarry to observe mining operations and environmental conservation. Engr. Philip Anaobi, Plant Manager, highlighted Lafarge’s commitment to developing industry talent and promoting sustainable practices in Nigeria.

Prof. Jimoh Ajadi from Kwara State University discussed international mining standards, focusing on safety, sustainability, and technological advancements. He stressed the need for ongoing learning to adapt to industry changes. Gabriel Pollyn, Head of Sustainability, covered Lafarge’s eco-friendly initiatives, emphasising circular economy practices and reducing the carbon footprint in operations.

Engr. Oluyomi Owolabi presented the Community Relations Committee model that fosters collaboration with 14 host communities. He mentioned the company’s investment in education and infrastructure, enhancing relationships with local stakeholders. Participant Emmanuel Okechukwu appreciated the hands-on training and its potential impact on mining sustainability.

Lafarge Africa’s commitment to knowledge sharing and innovation aims to uplift industry standards and promote responsible mining practices across Nigeria. Their diverse cement solutions cater to various construction needs, solidifying their role as a leader in the sector.

Lafarge Africa’s training initiative demonstrates its dedication to enhancing the skills of professionals in the mining and geoscience fields. By focusing on sustainable practices and community engagement, Lafarge aims to improve industry standards. The insights shared during the programme are expected to drive operational excellence and foster stronger relationships with local communities.

Original Source: thesun.ng

The post Lafarge Africa Empowers Mining Professionals Through Capacity Building Training first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Mining stakeholders in Nigeria are urging for enhanced collaboration among relevant agencies and institutions to foster sector development. This call was made during a pre-conference discussion at the 60th Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) Annual International Conference and Exhibition held in Abuja. The conference theme spotlighted innovation in transforming various sectors including mining.

Mr. Olusegun Adedayo, a mining policy advisor, stressed the necessity for local partnerships to elevate Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global mining landscape amidst increasing demand for energy minerals. He highlighted the need for aggregated data on Nigeria’s mineral reserves to attract investors, advocating for joint efforts in research, funding, and geoscience data collection to focus on key minerals.

Adedayo noted the issue of fragmented geoscience data stored in silos across different agencies. He proposed centralising this information to enhance accessibility for domestic and international investors. His assertion underscored the need for Nigeria to invest in its own technological and research capabilities.

Mrs. Aisha Gombe pointed out the significance of collaboration between geology and civil engineering departments in training institutions, noting a lack of engineering geology labs in geology departments. She called for joint efforts between regulatory councils to foster professionalism and safety in the industry.

Dele Ayankele, President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, expressed concerns over the absence of sustainable policies in the sector, identifying this as a major barrier to growth. He urged for the implementation of recommendations from a 2016 government committee tasked with sector transformation to attract investment through technological innovations.

The conference, running from February 16 to 21, will cover topics such as resource management in mining and the role of geoscience in agriculture and food security.

The conference has highlighted the urgent need for collaboration among Nigeria’s mining stakeholders to strengthen the sector. Key discussions focused on data centralisation, joint training efforts, and the implementation of sustainable policies to encourage local and international investment. Emphasis was placed on improving technological innovation and research capabilities as pathways for sector advancement.

Original Source: nannews.ng

The post Collaboration Urged to Enhance Nigeria’s Mining Sector Development first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria and Venezuela have engaged in discussions regarding investment opportunities in the mining sector during the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, highlighted the shift both countries must make from petroleum sales to solid minerals due to global energy transitions and economic pressures.

Alake emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to diversifying its economy under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on critical minerals like lithium and cobalt necessary for the global energy shift. He expressed that both nations can collaborate effectively to utilize their mineral resources sustainably, enhancing local economies.

In seeking to process minerals like lithium for local use instead of exporting them raw, Alake stressed the goal of creating jobs and boosting the economy through value-added production. He also invited Venezuela to participate in a new coalition named the Super Region, aimed at facilitating trade and economic independence for member countries.

Deputy Minister Alejandro Martinez praised Alake for recognising the shared challenges faced by both nations reliant on oil and eager to transition their economies. He expressed interest in Venezuelan investment, particularly in mining machinery, and requested support for investor engagements in Nigeria.

A delegation from Venezuela included the ambassadors to South Africa, indicating diplomatic support. Martinez conveyed appreciation from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for President Tinubu’s leadership.

Nigeria and Venezuela are exploring collaborative opportunities to develop their mining sectors, transitioning from oil dependence to solid minerals as a means of economic diversification. The focus is on sustainable resource exploitation, enhancing local economies by processing minerals for local use. Ultimately, this partnership aims to foster trade among similar countries facing economic challenges.

Original Source: fmino.gov.ng

The post Nigeria and Venezuela Collaborate on Mining Sector Opportunities first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

At a lithium mining site in Nigeria, Abdullahi Ibrahim Danjija works diligently to extract valuable lithium from the rock. He chisels off pieces throughout the day, managing to fill three 50-kilogram bags. His efforts yield a profit of 150,000 nairas ($100), significantly surpassing Nigeria’s monthly minimum wage. This highlights both the potential for income through mining and the social implications of such manual labour in a country where many live in poverty.

Nigeria’s emerging lithium mining industry offers economic opportunities that could change lives, but it also raises concerns about workers’ rights and sustainability in a nation facing significant poverty. As mining grows, these critical issues must be addressed to ensure fair practices and environmental protection.

Original Source: www.messenger-inquirer.com

The post Nigeria’s Lithium Mining Boom Raises Concerns Amid Poverty first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria, abundant in over 44 minerals across 500 locations, is evolving into a major player in Africa’s mining sector. The government aims to elevate the mining sector’s GDP contribution to 10% by 2026 by fully exploiting its vast mineral resources. Upcoming events like Africa Mining Week in Cape Town will spotlight investment opportunities in Nigeria.

Bitumen: Nigeria possesses 42.47 billion tons of probable bitumen reserves, ranking sixth globally. Major deposits are located in Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Edo States. A $1 billion investment by Owena Bitumen Exploration Nigeria Limited aims to develop these reserves in Ondo State.

Limestone: With approximately 10.6 billion tons, Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest limestone reserves, spread across 14 states. This resource is key for job creation and economic diversification, particularly in cement production through companies like Dangote Cement.

Coal: Nigeria’s coal reserves are significant, estimated at 2.75 billion tons, mainly found in Gombe, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Enugu States. The Zuma Coal Mining Project, operated by Zuma Energy Nigeria Limited, has a production target of two million metric tons annually over 25 years.

Iron Ore: The Itakpe mine in Kogi State hosts around 3 billion tons of iron ore, a crucial resource for Nigeria’s industrialization. The iron ore is processed to 67% purity and supplies steel plants like Aladja and Ajaokuta.

Gold: Nigeria, with 21.37 metric tons of gold reserves, is the sixth-largest gold holder in Africa. Major deposits are spread across Zamfara, Kaduna, Bauchi, Niger, and Osun States, while initiatives, including a new gold refinery by Kian Smith, aim to enhance the gold value chain.

Nigeria’s mining sector offers significant opportunities for investment and economic growth, driven by its vast mineral reserves in bitumen, limestone, coal, iron ore, and gold. By attracting global investors and focusing on sustainable exploitation of these resources, Nigeria aims to diversify its economy and improve its mining contributions to GDP.

Original Source: energycapitalpower.com

The post Five Emerging Mineral Resources in Nigeria first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria is opening its mining sector to Venezuelan investors, a move aimed at boosting foreign investments. This initiative was discussed during the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, where Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, met with Venezuela’s Deputy Minister of Mining, Alejandro Martinez. They explored opportunities for cooperation in the mining sector to strengthen economic ties between the two nations.

Alake highlighted the need for Nigeria to diversify from petroleum, noting the global shift towards green energy and the importance of mining critical minerals like lithium and cobalt. He stated, “Nigeria focused on petroleum. Now, the world is moving to green energy. Compulsorily, we have to shift our attention to our minerals.”

Emphasising local value addition, Alake expressed Nigeria’s desire for lithium to be processed domestically to create jobs and stimulate the economy. He invited Venezuela to join a new coalition for mining countries aiming for trade and economic independence.

Martinez acknowledged the challenges faced by both oil-producing countries and expressed Venezuela’s eagerness to collaborate. He conveyed gratitude from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu for support and urged investment facilitation through closer ties between the two nations.

Nigeria and Venezuela’s partnership aims to diversify economies through mining, highlighting the importance of local processing and collaboration. Both countries seek to exploit their resources sustainably, focusing on critical minerals needed for the energy transition.

Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com

The post Nigeria and Venezuela Forge Mining Partnership to Boost Economic Ties first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria is gaining global attention due to its vast lithium reserves, essential for sustainable energy technologies like electric vehicles (EVs) and solar panels. With Africa expected to contribute 20% of global lithium supplies by 2030, Nigeria is working to establish itself as a crucial competitor in the lithium market.

The country has begun constructing lithium processing plants, with two already operational and a third in progress. Segun Tomori, media assistant to the minister of solid minerals development, emphasised lithium’s importance, stating that it is increasingly sought after in discussions about green energy.

In 2022, the Nigerian government denied Tesla’s proposal to buy raw lithium, insisting on local processing to boost job creation and industrial growth. This reflects Nigeria’s evolving mining policies that prioritise domestic processing over raw material exports. Additionally, Nigeria is partnering with South Africa to enhance lithium’s role in the energy transition.

The Nigerian government aims to foster a favourable investment climate by addressing security issues and establishing technical partnerships with leading mining countries. Despite facing challenges, Nigeria’s commitment to lithium mining demonstrates its potential to lead Africa’s critical mineral sector.

Nigeria’s lithium reserves are positioned to play a transformative role in the global green energy landscape. By focusing on domestic processing and attracting international investors, the country is laying the groundwork to become a dominant player in lithium production. Collaborative efforts with nations like South Africa further underline its ambitions in the critical minerals industry.

Original Source: northafricapost.com

The post Nigeria’s Lithium Reserves: A Key Player in Global Green Energy Transition first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Captain Dada Olaniyi Labinjo, Executive Managing Director of Silicon Valley Nigeria Economic Development Mining Company Limited, stated that Nigeria could generate over N37 trillion annually from mining if properly developed. He emphasised that mining could significantly boost the economy by creating jobs and generating revenue through taxes and fees for the government.

Labinjo highlighted that such revenue could be directed towards infrastructure development and social programmes. The company’s engagement in the sector aims to play a substantial role in optimising Nigeria’s mining potential and supporting economic growth.

During a recent management visit, Labinjo spoke about mining’s capacity to create thousands of jobs in various sectors like geology and engineering. He noted that mining could increase government revenue through various taxes imposed on mining activities, significantly boosting the nation’s financial resources.

Ambassador Temitope Amina Labinjo-Ajayi, Chairman of SV-NED, praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for its potential to positively transform Nigeria. She reiterated that mining could when harnessed effectively, reduce Nigeria’s reliance on oil and contribute to economic diversification, vital for long-term economic stability.

She acknowledged that mining infrastructure could benefit local communities and industries, promoting overall development. Labinjo-Ajayi further explained that mining could enhance foreign exchange earnings through mineral exports, promoting better currency stability.

Adediran expressed excitement about the SV-NED’s partnership and its potential to improve local economic conditions and lifestyle. He appealed for establishing a University of Agriculture to tap into local agricultural and mining resources and called for upgrading a decades-old hospital lacking necessary medical infrastructure.

The article outlines the substantial economic potential of Nigeria’s mining sector, highlighting the significant revenues that could be generated through proper management. It stresses the importance of mining for job creation, infrastructure development, economic diversification, and foreign exchange earnings. The involvement of companies like SV-NED is essential to harness this potential and enhance the general well-being of local communities.

Original Source: www.zawya.com

The post Nigeria’s Mining Sector Could Generate Over $24 Billion Annually first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

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

The post Nigeria to Establish Solid Minerals Corporation to Boost Mining Sector first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.