US defence firms scramble for rare earth minerals after China blocks exports
By Cameron Henderson The US is scrambling to get hold of the rare earth metals needed to make weapons after China slashed its supply to American defence firms. Prices of some rare earths have increased more than 60-fold after Beijing restricted the export of the materials for defence purposes earlier this year, amid a trade war with the US. Beijing controls around...
Conversations on Nigerian Mining Laws
By Adesuwa Dan-Princewill (Mrs) Welcome, esteemed readers, to the very first article of 'The Miners Legal Column'! Our commitment here is to engage in and facilitate interactive conversations on topics related to mining and the law. The idea is to inform and be informed, to proffer and receive suggestions, and to mutually educate ourselves, all for the further development...
Quarrying activities: Court dismisses N500m negligence suit against Rockbridge Construction Ltd in Benue State
A Benue State High Court sitting in Otukpo has dismissed a suit seeking a 500 million naira damages against Rockbridge Construction Limited over its alleged hazardous quarrying activities in a community in Benue State. Justice G.A. Omale, in a judgment, held that the quality and quantum of the evidence adduced by the plaintiffs was not sufficient, convincing and strong...
Segilola recognises winners of its 2025 University Competition, unveils infrastructure projects in Ijeshaland
Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), operator of Nigeria’s first commercial gold mine and a subsidiary of Thor Explorations Ltd., has taken bold steps toward community development and youth empowerment in Osun State by recognising winners of its 2025 University Competition and unveiling major infrastructure projects in Odo‑Ijesha.The University Competition, launched earlier in 2025, called on students from tertiary institutions...
Mining Education and Skill Development in Nigeria: Bridging the Gap
By Engr Alexander Elemo, MNSE (Nig), FIEAust (Aus), & CPEng (Aus). Nigeria's mining sector, rich in untapped mineral resources, holds immense potential to diversify the nation's economy beyond oil. However, a significant skills gap hampers the industry's growth and sustainability. Enhancing mining education and skill development is crucial to unlocking this potential and ensuring the sector's longterm success. Figure 1-...
Mining Marshals seals Kebbi mine over alleged illegal N1.4tr lithium operation
The Mining Marshals has announced a shutdown of a lithium mining operation in Libata, Kebbi State, for alleged violations of mining law and for defrauding government of an estimated ₦1.43 trillion.John Onoja, Assistant Commandant of Corps and Commander of the Mining Marshals said in a statement that the operators, Three Crown Mines, were linked to a company under investigation...
CJID launches Nigeria’s first subnational Openness Index on press freedom
*Photo: CEO of CJID, Dapo Olorunyomi OON* History was made on Thursday, 31st July 2025 as the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) launched Nigeria’s first ever subnational Openness Index on Press Freedom. Supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Nigeria, the tool ranks all the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on press freedom...
Nasarawa Governor visits Diamond New Energy Lithium Processing Plant
*Photo: Governor Abdullahi A. Sule(right) during the visit on Wednesday* The Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, on Wednesday, 30th July, 2025, visited Diamond New Energy Lithium Processing Plant in Endo community of Nasarawa Local Government Area. Governor Sule was at the factory to inspect its facilities and to ascertain the level of installation work ahead of eventual official...
Stranded miners arrive Nigerian Embassy in Bangui
The stranded Nigerians in Central Africa Republic CAR have finally arrived at the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui. It will be recalled that through a viral video, some Nigerian miners called for help and there was immediate intervention and swift response of officials of the Nigerian Embassy and CAR security who accompanied them from their location to the capital. The...
Kano Solid Minerals Ministry spearheads collaboration on exploration between investors and licence owners
*Photo : Malam Adamu Ibrahim Dabo, Director Public Enlightenment, Kano State Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources(left) during an assessment tour at a mining site located in Zainabi village, Doguwa Local Government Area of the state* In its continuous effort to establish Kano State as a premier destination for solid minerals investment, the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural...
