Advertisements
Head of Corporate Communications, SMDF, Idowu Jokpeyibo, said the initiative, implemented under the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, was designed to establish a pool of prequalified vendors and technical partners that could be engaged by the fund, its partners and eligible grant beneficiaries for activities under the programme.
According to the call for Expressions of Interest, applications are open to service providers across three categories: field and exploration, laboratory and testing, and site support and supply.
The field and exploration category covers geological mapping, geochemical sampling, geophysical surveys, exploration drilling, core handling, modelling and resource estimation. Eligible applicants include geoscience consultancies, survey firms and drilling contractors.
Under the laboratory and testing category, the SMDF is seeking accredited laboratories and testing facilities capable of providing sample preparation, assays, mineralogical and metallurgical testing, particularly for lithium, tin, tantalum, rare earths and other critical minerals.
The third category covers site support and supply services, including field camps, access tracks, minor civil works, utilities, and the supply and rental of field equipment, laboratory consumables and personal protective equipment. Eligible applicants include engineering, procurement and logistics firms.
The minimum requirements for applicants include registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), at least three years of tax clearance certificates, three years of audited financial statements and evidence of similar assignments undertaken within the last five years.
The fund stated that the submission portal opened on November 3 and would close on November 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. West Africa Time.
It, however, clarified that prequalification would not constitute an award of contract, adding that successful applicants would retain their prequalified status for one year, subject to review.
Interested firms are required to submit their applications through the programme’s vendor portal at vendors.smdf-emerge.com.ng.
The EMERGE Programme is a grant initiative through which the SMDF provides catalytic funding for early-stage mineral exploration, critical minerals development and research and development. It supports mineral explorers, mining companies, universities and researchers in generating geological data, developing innovative technologies and advancing promising mining projects towards larger-scale investment.
The initiative is expected to address funding constraints that often hinder early-stage exploration, reduce investment risks associated with mineral development and improve the availability of reliable geological data needed to attract private capital. It also seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to discover and develop its mineral resources, expand local participation in the mining value chain and accelerate the development of a more competitive solid minerals industry.
Advertisements
