Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish a mineral processing hub aimed at enhancing value addition and maximizing the potential of the mining sector.
Speaking at the 60th International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth through technological advancements.
The annual conference, which brings together experts in geology and engineering, provided a platform for discussions on industry transformation. Addressing attendees, Dr. Alake noted that the global mining industry is witnessing a paradigm shift with the integration of digital technology and artificial intelligence, and Nigeria must embrace this evolution.
“The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has prioritized the use of geospatial data and remote sensing technologies for mineral exploration. This approach reduces uncertainties and enhances investment decisions,” Dr. Alake stated. “Furthermore, we are advancing plans to establish mineral processing hubs that will drive value addition and reduce dependency on raw mineral exports.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, the minister reaffirmed the government’s determination to create an innovation-driven environment for growth in the mining and allied sectors. He also stressed the interconnectedness of mining, energy, and water resources, underscoring ongoing collaborations with key economic sectors to ensure sustainable development.
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, highlighted Nigeria’s abundance of critical minerals, urging industry experts to ensure that conference discussions yield transformative solutions. He further announced that Nasarawa State was making significant strides in mineral exploration, with a large-scale lithium processing plant set to commence operations within three months.
Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, reiterated the company’s dedication to strengthening energy security through technological advancements, emphasizing that the NNPCL has a well-structured innovation framework to achieve its objectives.
The conference concluded with a collective commitment to leveraging technology to position Nigeria’s mining sector for global competitiveness and economic sustainability.
By Taiwo Olatinwo | February 19, 2025
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
