*Photo: Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake*
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake has said the mining industry is currently experiencing a global paradigm shift driven by the adoption of digital technologies.
He stated this in his keynote address at the Opening of the 60th annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society, themed “Transformation of the Mineral, Energy, Water and Construction Sectors Through Innovations” and taking place in Abuja.
The Minister said as a result of the paradigm shift, it was crucial for the Nigeria mining sector to embrace digital technologies to attract investment, increase productivity, and ensure responsible extraction of its nation’s vast mineral resources.
He added that “We have prioritized the deployment of geospatial data and remote sensing technologies for mineral exploration within the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
” These efforts will help reduce uncertainties and optimize investment decisions. Furthermore, we are working towards establishing mineral processing hubs to enhance value addition and reduce our reliance on raw mineral exports.”
Dr Alake who was represented by the Permanent Secretary,Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe, urged the NMGS to foster industry collaborations that will drive the transformation of the mining industry.
” I remain committed to working with the society and other industry players to realize the full potential of our nation’s natural resources for national development,” he pledged.
The Minister was at the function
conferred with the honorary fellowship by the NMGS in recognition of the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning the mining sector.
Emphasizing that advancing the sector is a collective responsibility, he expressed gratitude NMGS for the honor accorded him, promising that together, through innovation and collaboration, ” we will build a resilient and prosperous future for Nigeria’s mining and geosciences sector.”
Earlier in his welcome address, President of the Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society, NMGS, Professor Akinade Olatunji called for innovation in solving the challenges facing the Nigerian economy.
In particular, he stressed the need for resource management and value addition in the Minerals and Mining sector that will attract economic development.
