Joint NASS Committee seeks upward review of proposed N9 billion Capital Budget for Mining Sector
*Photo: Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake (middle) flanked by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mary Ogbe(left) and Executive Secretary, Solid Minerals Development Fund, Hajia Fatima Umaru Shinkafi(right), during the Budget defense session at NASS on Friday* The Joint National Assembly Committee on Solid Minerals has rejected the proposed N9 billion capital budget for the mining sector in...
Nigeria’s Untapped Mineral Wealth: Opportunities for Growth
By Engr Alexander Elemo, MNSE (Nig), FIEAust (Aus), & CPEng (Aus). Nigeria, blessed with an abundance of natural resources, remains a land of untapped potential when it comes to mineral wealth. While the country has historically leaned on oil as it's economic mainstay, its vast deposits of underexplored and unexploited minerals hold the key to significant economic diversification. Unlocking these...
Nigeria Coal: Occurrences, Mining Methods, Challenges, and Economic Importance
By Engr Fatai Jimoh MNSME, R-comeg. AbstractNigeria is endowed with significant coal deposits, which have been utilized for decades. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the occurrences of coal in Nigeria, the various mining methods employed, the challenges faced by the industry, and the economic importance of coal to the country. Despite the potential of coal, the industry faces...
TV drama series on Mining premieres January 25 on NTA
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) announces the debut of a TV drama series, "Hidden Riches," that seeks to uniquely tell the story of the complexities and potential of Nigeria's mining sector. Featuring a stellar cast that includes Sydney Diala, Lara Owoeye-Wise, Iveren Antiev, Alex Jibrin amongst others, the series is poised to unravel the complex dynamics of politics,...
Solid Minerals: Kano Commissioner Cautions Farmers on Selling Farmlands to Foreigners
*Photo: Alhaji Safiyanu Hamza Kachako, Kano State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources (2nd right)* Farmers across Kano State have been told to desist from selling Farmlands to Foreigners and other individuals with questionable identities. Mallam Adamu Ibrahim Dabo, Director Public Enlightenment,Ministry of Solid Mineral and Natural Resources,Kano State, said in a press release on Monday that "The appeal follows...
Alake and matters arising in the mining sector by Okey Ikechukwu
By Okey Ikechukwu Let us start the new year on this column by looking at the mining sector and some matters arising therein. This is particularly important because of the much-talked-about need for alternative streams of largescale income for the nation. About two weeks ago the ban on solid minerals exploration and exploitation in Zamfara state was lifted by the...
The Role of Small-Scale Mining in Nigeria’s Economic Growth: Assessing potentials of artisanal mining in contributing to Nigeria’s economy
By Engr Alexander Elemo, MNSE, FIEAust, CPEng. Small-scale and artisanal mining (ASM) represents a significant, albeit underdeveloped, segment of Nigeria’s mining sector. ASM activities are dispersed across various regions, encompassing diverse minerals such as gold, tin, columbite, and gemstones. These operations are often informal and labour-intensive, employing rudimentary techniques. Despite its challenges, small-scale mining has substantial potential to contribute to...
Nigeria Silicate Minerals: Occurrences, Challenges, Economic Importance
By Engr Fatai Jimoh MNSME, R-comeg IntroductionSilicate minerals, composed primarily of silicon and oxygen, form the largest group of minerals in the Earth's crust. They are foundational to many industries and essential for various products ranging from construction materials to technological devices. Nigeria, with its vast geological diversity, hosts a variety of silicate minerals. Among the most notable are feldspar...
Nasarawa assembly holds public hearing on new Mining Oversight Bill, seeks stronger control of illegal mining
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly held a public hearing to deliberate on a proposed bill aimed at regulating mining activities in the state. The event, organized by the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, sought input from stakeholders on the "Bill for a Law to Provide for the Regulation and Control of Issuance of Land Consent and...
Special report: Responding to Nigeria’s Mine collapse crisis
By Martha AgasIn 2024, Nigeria recorded several incidents of mine collapses, where scores of miners were trapped in pits.Many sustained severe injuries or lost their lives, while others were fortunate to be rescued.In the second half of the year, three major incidents were reported in Niger, Adamawa, and Plateau states.In June, 30 miners were trapped in a collapsed mining...
