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...
Mining firm faults disruption of operations in Nasarawa
Trimmadix Geomin Consult Nigeria has expressed disappointment over disruption of its operations and harassment of its staff at its mining site at Amba Kure in the Kokona local government area of Nasarawa State by agents of the state government.The state government, through its Commissioner of Environment and Solid Minerals, recently stormed the mining site of the company alongside security...
China’s Ganfeng Lithium begins lithium production at Mali’s Goulamina mine
Chinese company Ganfeng Lithium has commenced operations at the Goulamina lithium mine in Mali, the South China Morning Post reported on Thursday. The mineral is essential for electric vehicle batteries and electronics. Production at the site, located in the Bougouni region, began this month and is set to yield 506,000 tonnes of lithium annually during its first phase, with plans...
Comparative Analysis: Nigeria Mining Policy vs. Australia’s Geoscience Strategy 2028
By Engr Alexander Elemo, MNSE, FIEAust, CPEng. Mining policies serve as frameworks to manage natural resources, stimulate economic development, and ensure sustainability. Comparing Nigeria’s mining policies with Australia’s Geoscience Strategy 2028 reveals significant differences in approach, implementation, and outcomes. This comparison identifies ten critical areas where Nigeria can enhance its mining sector for sustainable growth and global competitiveness. 1. Resource Mapping...
Weak demand leads to De Beers sitting on colossal stockpile of diamonds it can’t sell – FT
De Beers Group has amassed its largest diamond stockpile since the 2008 financial crisis, reflecting ongoing challenges in the luxury gemstone market, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing the company’s press office.The company, which dominates the $80 billion diamond jewelry industry, has seen inventory levels hover around $2 billion throughout 2024.The slump in demand has been attributed to...
