By Engr Alexander Elemo, MNSE (Nig), FIEAust (Aus), & CPEng (Aus).
Nigeria, endowed with abundant mineral resources, has the potential to significantly bolster its economy through a robust mining sector.
However, to fully realize this potential, it is imperative to adopt and adapt best practices from leading mining nations. By examining successful strategies from countries like Canada, Australia, and China, Nigeria can chart a path toward sustainable and efficient mining operations.
Figure 1: – Map Showing Mineral Occurrences in Nigeria Courtesy ResearchGate
1. Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Practices
Case Study: Canada and Australia
Both Canada and Australia have established comprehensive frameworks emphasizing
environmental sustainability in mining. These countries integrate Environmental, Social, and
Governance (ESG) considerations into their mining operations, ensuring that environmental protection is a core component of their industry practices. They demonstrate best practices in human rights and are committed to managing the industry’s carbon footprint.
Figure 2:-Compliance with Mining Environmental Conditions: -Courtesy Office of the Auditor General Western Australia
Lessons for Nigeria:
• Regulatory Frameworks: Develop and enforce stringent environmental regulations that mandate comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) before initiating mining projects.
• Sustainable Techniques: Encourage the adoption of low-impact mining techniques, such as in-situ mining, which minimizes surface disturbance and reduces
environmental degradation.
2. Community Engagement and Social Responsibility
Case Study: Canada
In Canada, mining companies are required to engage with Indigenous communities, often
forming joint ventures that allow these communities to develop their own capacity and share in the benefits of mining activities.
Lessons for Nigeria:
• Community Partnerships: Foster partnerships between mining companies and local communities to ensure that the latter benefit from mining operations through employment, infrastructure development, and revenue sharing.
• Transparency: Implement transparent processes for community consultations, ensuring that the voices and concerns of local populations are heard and addressed.
3. Technological Innovation and Efficiency
Case Study: China
Chinese engineers have successfully harnessed High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) technology to process low-grade nickel and cobalt ores, overcoming challenges that had hindered Western companies. This innovation has significantly increased China’s share of the global nickel supply.
Figure 4: – IoT Key Contributor to Digital Transformation in Mining Operations – Courtesy CSM Tech
Lessons for Nigeria:
• Investment in R&D: Prioritize research and development to discover and implement innovative mining technologies that can improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
• Technology Transfer: Engage in partnerships with technologically advanced mining firms to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology.
4. Safety Standards and Workforce Development
Case Study: Global Mining Guidelines Group (GMG)
The GMG brings together the global mining community to develop innovative guidance and common practices, emphasizing safety and efficiency.
Lessons for Nigeria:
• Safety Protocols: Establish and enforce rigorous safety standards to protect workers and reduce. accidents in mining operations.
*Training Programs: Develop comprehensive training programs to equip the workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge, ensuring a competent and safetyconscious labour force.
5. Regulatory Compliance and Governance
Case Study: International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)
The ICMM has set forth Mining Principles that define good practice environmental, social, and governance requirements for the mining and metals industry.
Lessons for Nigeria:
• Adherence to Standards: Align national mining regulations with international best practices to ensure responsible and sustainable mining operations.
• Monitoring and Enforcement: Establish robust mechanisms for monitoring compliance and enforcing regulations to prevent malpractices and ensure accountability.
Conclusion
By learning from the experiences of leading mining countries, Nigeria can develop a mining sector that is environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, technologically advanced, and economically beneficial. Implementing these global best practices will not only enhance the efficiency and profitability of mining operations but also contribute to the overall development and well-being of the nation.
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