Latest news with #SolidMineralsDevelopment
The Star
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Feature: From pit to prosperity -- Nigerian miners find renewed hope from solid minerals revival
by Olatunji Saliu ABUJA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- As the early morning sun stretched long shadows across the rocky terrain of a small mining site in Nigeria's central state of Nasarawa, 43-year-old Abubakar Musa, a third-generation artisanal miner, sifted meticulously through the freshly unearthed soil. For about two decades, Musa's livelihood -- like that of countless informal miners across Africa's most populous country -- was a precarious gamble. His work teetered on the edge of legality, exposed to market volatility and rife with exploitation. But today, a quiet confidence radiates from him. "Things have truly changed," Musa told Xinhua in a recent interview, a glint of hope lighting his eyes. "We now work with dignity, and our future feels secure." Musa's optimism captures the remarkable transformation sweeping through Nigeria's solid minerals sector, now two years into President Bola Tinubu's administration. Long plagued by illegal operations and the unchecked export of raw materials, the once-overlooked sector is being reimagined as a pillar of economic diversification -- drawing record investment, boosting government revenue, and empowering local communities. At the heart of this revival is a radical shift in policy: a decisive move toward local value addition. Under Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development rolled out a seven-point roadmap in 2023, aimed at formalizing the sector, curbing illicit practices, and ensuring that Nigeria's vast mineral wealth drives national development. One cornerstone is the "no raw material export" policy. Any new mining license must include a plan for domestic processing, transforming raw output into higher-value products within Nigeria. Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake told the media recently that the shift has already paid off. In 2024 alone, the sector attracted over 800 million U.S. dollars in processing-related investments, fueled by tightened regulations and growing investor confidence. "Nigeria has not had it this good in the solid minerals sector. We are restoring confidence, building data, enforcing the law, and returning value to Nigerians from their resources," Alake said. According to Alake, government revenue from the sector has surged, jumping from 6 billion Nigerian nairas (about 3.85 million dollars) to over 38 billion Nigerian nairas (about 24.4 million dollars) in 2024. First-quarter figures for 2025 already indicate strong continued growth. "The days of exporting raw minerals from pit to port are over," Alake said, emphasizing the government's resolve. "We are now focused on turning our mineral wealth into domestic economic value -- jobs, technology, and manufacturing." This strategic pivot is perhaps most visible in Nigeria's lithium sector. Alake highlighted two major processing plants -- one near the Kaduna-Niger border and another near Abuja -- as key examples of the new direction. These facilities are designed not just for extraction, but as integrated industrial hubs that add value, drive innovation, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Foreign partners have taken note, particularly Chinese firms, which are increasingly prominent in Nigeria's push toward localized processing. Sinic Engineering Limited, a Chinese company with over five years of experience in Nigeria, is playing a key role in this transformation. Vice General Manager Wei Guoting told Xinhua that the company provides integrated engineering mining services, including procurement and construction contracts, mine development, open-pit mining, and mineral processing operations -- all while maintaining high-level international standards. "For instance, we have deployed 3D geological modeling and intelligent exploration technologies to precisely delineate resource reserves and establish a tiered resource evaluation system, enabling scientific targeting of high-grade deposits," Wei said. Equally important, Wei noted, is the firm's commitment to localization. Sinic has developed a robust training program for local workers, earning the nickname "Sinic Skills Training School" among the local community. To date, the company has trained more than 1,000 Nigerian technical professionals. Back in Nasarawa, the impact is clear on the ground. Musa, who once toiled informally with little security or reward, is now part of a formally recognized mining cooperative -- one of over 250 created under the government's formalization drive. These cooperatives have absorbed tens of thousands of miners into the formal economy, providing access to finance, training, and safer working conditions. "Before, we just sold stones for whatever price we could get," Musa said. "Now, we are part of a larger chain, with training on safer practices and a clearer understanding of the value of what we extract." As the sun continued its climb over the Nasarawa hills, a renewed sense of hope emerged from the country's rugged mining heartlands and the lives being reshaped within them.
Business Insider
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Insider
World's largest electric vehicle-producing country set to establish an EV plant in Nigeria
China recently disclosed intentions to establish an electric vehicle (EV) plant in Africa's most populous nation and one of its largest economies, Nigeria. China plans to establish an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Nigeria. The announcement aligns with a broader strategy to boost Nigeria's industrialization and strengthen its partnership with China. During discussions, the importance of collaboration on using Nigeria's lithium reserves for EV battery production was highlighted. The initiative is a huge step forward for Nigeria's industrialization aspirations and reinforces Beijing's expanding presence in Nigeria, in a year when the East Asian country has been very active within Africa's largest oil-producing country. This new development was made known during a courtesy visit by China's Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, to Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development. During the visit, Ambassador Dunhai underlined the need for further collaboration between the two countries in unleashing Nigeria's solid minerals potential, a crucial component in EV battery production, and propelling Nigeria's industrial growth. Dunhai also stated that China has always recognized Nigeria as an important partner in its foreign strategy. The Chinese ambassador mentioned the recent meeting between Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Xi Jinping, during which both leaders decided to upgrade Nigeria-China bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, paving the way for considerable economic and technical collaboration. Dr. Alake, in response noted that the Federal Government has granted authority for China to develop electric car manufacturing factories in Nigeria, as he emphsized the idea that Nigeria is open for business. He asked that the ambassador persuade Chinese businesses to make full-cycle investments in Nigeria, from extraction to processing, as reported by the Punch. 'For years, our minerals have been exported raw to fuel foreign industrialisation. That must change, Dr. Alake stated. 'We now prioritise local processing to drive Nigeria's development. For instance, with the abundance of lithium, we want to see local manufacturing of electric vehicles and batteries,' he added. 'Plans are underway to establish electric vehicle factories and other manufacturing ventures in Nigeria. Chinese companies are already deeply involved in Nigeria's mining sector, from exploration to processing,' Dr. Alake continued. 'We aim to deepen this collaboration, especially in line with President Tinubu's eight priority areas, notably economic diversification through solid minerals,' he added. Deals between China and Nigeria in 2025 so far The EV announcement follows a flood of Chinese investments and strategic engagement with Nigeria so far in 2025. In April, the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) inked a $1 billion agreement with Chinese company SINOMACH to build a large-scale sugarcane production and processing facility. Mr. Kamar Bakrin, NSDC Executive Secretary, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the investment will alter Nigeria's sugar sector and strengthen China's strategic footprint in the nation. 216 Chinese businesses traveled to Nigeria in March to look for potential investment opportunities. Interestingly, 74 of them specifically indicated interest in Nigeria's oil industry, indicating China's intention to diversify its holdings in the nation's important sectors. A new shipping route that provides an exceptional 27-day transit time between Shanghai and Lagos began in February when the MV Great Cotonou, a Con-Ro vessel from China, arrived at the PTML facility in Lagos, West Africa's largest multipurpose RO/RO facility. It is anticipated that this innovation would transform the logistics of regional trade.
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: FG receives $4mln mining fees, registers 118 buying centres
The Federal Government has disclosed that it has collected N6,957,826,200 mining fees and registered no fewer than 118 new private mineral buying centres in the first quarter of this year. Giving the details at the second Annual Mining Conference organised by Businessday newspaper in Abuja at the weekend, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, said the revenues reflect the outcome of the Ministry's efforts to raise awareness and attract investors. A statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori disclosed that the mining fees collected by licensing parastatal Mining Cadastral Office, MCO, came from 955 applications for title grants. 'Six hundred and fifty-one were for exploration, 270 for small-scale mining, 49 for Quarrying, and 24 for reconnaissance Minister approved 867 applications, including 512 exploration licenses, 295 small-scale mining leases, 60 Quarry leases, and 5 mining leases.' The revenues are from paying various fees, including annual service fees, application processing fees, and renewal of titles. MCO has also stepped up conflict resolution to reduce petitions arising from overlap and litigation over ownership. Dr Alake disclosed that the Ministry has recorded a lot of progress in plans to set up the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation. to make its structure a veritable special-purpose vehicle that will catapult Nigeria into the league of global mining players. Speaking on the theme, 'Building A Resilient Mining Sector,' Dr. Alake said the corporation will be globally competitive and rooted in Nigerian expertise and capital. *We are finalising its structure in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI). Nigerians will have the opportunity to invest through a public offer, with 25% equity reserved for citizens, 25% for the government, and 50% for the private sector', the minister stated. He scored the ministry high on revenue generation, citing how it surpassed the 2024 projected revenue of N11 billion by N27 billion to N38 billion. Highlighting the impact of international engagements, Alake revealed that the French government has committed to equip the laboratory of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and train young geologists abroad in modern mining technologies on the heels of the MOU signed by President Bola Tinubu and French President, Emmanuel Macron. 'The Government of Western Australia recently approved the regular training of Nigerian mining professionals, and the first batch of trainees are billed to depart next month. British and Saudi Arabian investors are coming together to invest across the mineral value chain, and just few days ago, we signed an MOU on capacity building in the geology field with South Africa', Dr Alake added. Citing the impact of his value addition policy, the minister declared that it has enhanced local beneficiation and positioned Nigeria as the undisputable leader of African mining countries. His words, 'Nigeria emerged as the pioneer chairperson of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) based on our advocacy for value addition and opposition to the reckless exportation of raw minerals without processing or refining. One of our goals is to use this position to attract investment to Africa and Nigeria. He stated that this is already yielding fruits as we will commission some Lithium, bauxite, and gold refining plants this quarter', he stated. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
18-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria, South Africa sign pact on mining development
In bid to solidify the partnership fostered through the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission, recently inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Ministers of Solid Minerals of both nations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining key areas of cooperation, complete with implementation timelines. A statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, stated that during a bilateral meeting at his office in Abuja, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake hosted South Africa's Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe. Dr. Alake described the engagement as a milestone in deepening bilateral relations, especially in the vital mining sector. Reflecting on the historical ties between the two countries, Alake noted the longstanding diplomatic and economic cooperation built on mutual respect and a shared vision for Africa's development. He stressed that collaboration in the mining sector offers vast opportunities for industrialization, job creation, and sustainable growth across the continent. 'The Memorandum of Understanding in geology, mining, and mineral processing signed today,' Alake stated, 'will serve as a cornerstone for facilitating knowledge and technology transfer, investment promotion, capacity building, regional integration, and value addition.' Key Highlights of the MoU Include: Capacity building in geological applications using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Utilization of Multi- and Hyper-spectral Remote Sensing Technologies for mineral exploration and geological mapping, Sharing of geoscientific data on strategic minerals through the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Training on mineral processing and value addition, Capacity Building on Elemental Fingerprint Technology using LA-ICP-MS, Exploration of Agro and Energy Minerals In Nigeria Alake emphasized Nigeria's renewed focus on developing its mining industry, stating that South Africa could benefit from Nigeria's vast mineral wealth, while Nigeria could tap into South Africa's advanced mining expertise. This synergy, he said, would open doors to investment, skills development, and economic diversification. In his remarks, Gwede Mantashe affirmed that South Africa—where mining plays a central role in the economy—stands to gain from Nigeria's revitalized interest in the sector. He added that his visit aimed to fine-tune agreements from the Bi-National Commission and to deepen collaboration on mutually beneficial projects with Nigeria's Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. Both ministers committed to sustained engagement and collaboration to boost intra-African trade and deliver on the actionable steps outlined in the MoU. They expressed confidence that this renewed partnership would significantly enhance the mining sectors of both countries. The MoU signing was attended by the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Chris Isokpunwu; alongside senior officials from both Solid Minerals and steel development ministries and members of the South African delegation led by Gwede Mantashe. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
