Uranium, sovereignty and the Sahel’s new chains
By Oumarou Sanou The now-infamous “Madmax Uranium Express,” carrying 1,000 tons of Nigerien uranium to Russia, has been presented as proof of emancipation from Western domination. To its proponents, it symbolises a clean break from France and a reclaiming of national dignity. In reality, it exposes a far more uncomfortable truth: Niger has not escaped dependency—it has merely changed its...
America’s next big critical minerals source could be coal mine pollution – if we can agree on who owns it
By Hélène Nguemgaing and Alan Collins Across Appalachia, rust-colored water seeps from abandoned coal mines, staining rocks orange and coating stream beds with metals. These acidic discharges, known as acid mine drainage, are among the region’s most persistent environmental problems. They disrupt aquatic life, corrode pipes and can contaminate drinking water for decades. However, hidden in that orange drainage are valuable metals known...
NMGS demands mandatory geoscientific investigations before mining activities, hosts International Conference in Uyo
*Mrs Rose Ndong, NMGS President, addressing a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State* Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society( NMGS) has called on relevant authorities to ensure mandatory geoscientific investigations before mining activity is carried out. NMGS President, Rose Ndong, made the call on Saturday, 24th Jan, 2026, during a press briefing in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as part of activities marking...
Jan 26 International Day of Clean Energy: Its Significance and Relevance to the Solid Minerals Sector
"For Nigeria, developing its solid minerals like tin, columbite, and lithium would position it as a player in global supply chains, fostering job creation and export revenues while supporting domestic renewable projects" As the world grapples with the urgent need to combat climate change, January 26 stands out as a pivotal date on the global calendar. This day marks the...
At Mining Indaba 2026, focus shifts to surging global demand for critical minerals
By Kayode Ogunbunmi The Investing in African Mining Indaba (MI26), Africa’s most influential and transformative platform for mining leadership, investment, and innovation, opens in Johannesburg with the theme,“Stronger together: Progress through partnerships.” Event organizers say the theme reflects the urgent need for collaboration across the continent to fast-track untapped growth opportunities across the entire mining value chain and unlock downstream industrialisation...
KMDC, NBA explore collaboration on legal and regulatory framework of Kaduna Mining Sector
*Photo R-L: Barrister Baba Lawal Aliyu, NBA Kaduna Branch Chairman, during a visit to Engr. Shuaibu Kabir Bello, MD/CEO, KMDC* The Kaduna Mining Development Company (KMDC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Kaduna Branch are exploring strategic collaborations to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework of the Kaduna State mining sector. As part of this development, the Kaduna Branch Chairman of...
Choosing the Right Excavator Size for Nigerian Mining Operations
By Tokunbo Aregbesola Across many Nigerian mining sites, a familiar pattern continues to repeat itself. A mine makes a heavy-capital investment in a large excavator, driven by the belief that bigger automatically means faster production and higher output. Months later, reality tells a different story: long idle hours, excessive fuel consumption, haul trucks struggling to keep pace, and operating costs steadily...
Niger State Commissioner for Mineral Resources decries involvement of community leaders in illegal mining
The Niger State Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Muhammad Qasim Danjuma, has warned community leaders to stay away from illegal mining activities, saying the state government has a zero-tolerance policy on illegal mining.He stated this at an interactive session with traditional rulers, community leaders, and mining operators during his inspection of mining sites at Zuzungi in Katcha Local Government Area.Danjuma...
Bandits kill 7 suspected illegal miners in Plateau
Seven illegal miners were killed in the early hours of Wednesday at a mining site in the Capitex area of Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State.The leadership of Operation Enduring Peace made the development known in a press release issued to journalists in Jos.Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), were alerted to the attack around...
NEITI boss seeks stronger partnership with ICPC to safeguard Nigeria’s extractive resources
*Photo: Hon Musa Sarkin Adar* The Executive Secretary of Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative( NEITI), Hon Musa Sarkin Adar, has called for stronger partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) towards safeguarding Nigeria’s extractive resources for sustainable national development. He made the call on Wednesday, 21st January, 2026, when he led a team from NEITI on...
