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

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The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has applauded the opening of Nigeria’s first mineral analysis laboratory located in Sabon-Wuse, Niger. In a statement, TSF leadership expressed that this initiative marks a significant milestones for the country’s mining sector, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The laboratory aims to eliminate the need for overseas mineral testing and enhances local value addition in the mining industry.

TSF highlighted that the facility, backed by the Federal Government and African Natural Resources and Mines Ltd., is equipped with advanced WDXRF technology, offering extensive geochemical services to bolster Nigeria’s global competitiveness in mining. The group commended Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, for his leadership in achieving this development, which promises to create jobs and foster private sector investment.

TSF urged mining stakeholders to take full advantage of this new facility, believing it would stimulate sustainable growth and enhance investor confidence within the sector, thereby overcoming operational challenges faced by mining companies.

The establishment of Nigeria’s first mineral analysis laboratory signifies a major advancement in the country’s mining sector, aiming to facilitate local mineral testing and reduce reliance on international services. This facility, part of the Federal Government’s commitment to developing the country’s natural resources, supports a broader agenda to reinforce Nigeria’s status in the global mining landscape. With its state-of-the-art technology, the laboratory intends to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of geochemical analyses necessary for mineral exploration and extraction.

The inauguration of Nigeria’s first mineral analysis laboratory is a pivotal development for the mining sector, promoting local testing and value addition. TSF believes that this facility will not only generate jobs and attract investments but also position Nigeria as an influential player in the global mining arena. Stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate with the government to maximise the potential of this resource.

Original Source: nannews.ng

The post Nigeria Opens First Mineral Analysis Laboratory to Boost Mining Sector first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art mineral analysis laboratory operated by African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML) in Sabon-Wuse, Niger State. He highlighted the lab as a crucial asset for enhancing local value addition in Nigeria’s mining sector and reducing dependency on foreign testing facilities. Alake affirmed the lab’s alignment with the ministry’s seven-point agenda, aiming to reposition the sector and boost local capabilities in mineral testing.

The ANRML laboratory is claimed to be the first of its kind in Nigeria and is equipped to handle mineral samples that would have otherwise been sent abroad. Alake emphasized the significance of this development in establishing Nigeria as a pivotal player in the global arena of mineral analysis. He praised ANRML’s efforts and encouraged further investment in the mining sector, which aligns with President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Alok Gupta, the Group Managing Director of ANRML, expressed gratitude for the lab’s inauguration, reaffirming the company’s commitment to revolutionising Nigeria’s mining industry. He announced that the lab, employing advanced technology, is certified with ISO 7025 from the Canadian Association of Laboratory Abbreviations, marking it as the only such facility in Nigeria.

The establishment of local laboratories for mineral analysis is crucial for Nigeria’s mining sector, aiming to improve the efficiency and reliability of mineral testing. Current practices often necessitate sending samples abroad for testing services, which can be costly and time-consuming. The new lab strengthens Nigeria’s infrastructure within the mining industry and promotes local economic development through value addition and job creation. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the mining sector and empower the youth by creating employment opportunities.

The inauguration of the new mineral analysis laboratory in Niger represents a significant advancement for Nigeria’s mining sector. It not only facilitates local testing of minerals but also contributes to the government’s agenda of fostering economic growth through enhanced local capabilities. As the only ISO-certified laboratory in Nigeria, it positions the country as a noteworthy participant in the international mineral analysis market, encouraging further investment in the mining industry and opening avenues for youth employment.

Original Source: www.thecable.ng

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