Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Development Minister, Dele Alake, has called for global investment in the country’s mining sector at the Mines & Money Conference. He presented new geo-data platforms designed to facilitate access to crucial geological information, urging international collaboration to unlock Nigeria’s mineral wealth.
In a bid to attract international investment in its mining sector, Nigeria has launched advanced geo-data digital platforms, as announced by Solid Minerals Development Minister, Dele Alake, at the annual Mines & Money Conference in London. The minister emphasized that these platforms, including the Nigerian Mineral Decision Support System, Electronic Mining Cadastral, and National Geo-Data Centre, provide invaluable information regarding Nigeria’s diverse mineral resources, thereby facilitating informed investment decisions. Minister Alake noted that the current administration is committed to enhancing geological research and data availability to support transparent mineral resource transactions.
Alake articulated that the NMRDSS offers users crucial insights into mineral occurrences, enabling potential investors to access data related to hydrology, geography, and urban planning—factors essential for mining decisions. He further elaborated on the advantages of the EMC+, a real-time online system for administering mineral titles efficiently, allowing investors to conduct remote research critical for their applications. The government is particularly keen on acquiring comprehensive geological data to augment investment opportunities and the credibility of these platforms.
Additionally, Alake highlighted ongoing efforts by African geoscientists to develop a new coding system that certifies research reports, promoting quality assurance within the sector. He underscored the importance of value addition in the mining value chain, asserting that Nigeria’s recent exploration advancements have positioned the country as a pivotal supplier of essential minerals like lithium and rare earths, crucial for the global transition to a sustainable economy. He called upon global mining companies to partner with the Nigerian government in unlocking the nation’s mineral wealth, promising beneficial outcomes for both parties involved.
Concluding his remarks, Minister Alake expressed enthusiasm about the country’s mining prospects, urging global decision makers to engage with Nigeria’s solid minerals journey. Engaging with executives from major mining corporations, he reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to developing its mineral sector as part of its broader economic diversification strategy.
Nigeria possesses vast mineral resources that have yet to be fully tapped. The country aims to shift its economy towards the solid minerals sector, leveraging new digital technology to globally market its offerings. As global demand for critical minerals increases, Nigeria seeks to position itself as a premier supplier on the world stage. The government’s proactive measures, including creating a robust digital framework for data access, are designed to attract foreign investment and enhance transparency in mineral transactions.
In summary, Minister Dele Alake’s address at the Mines & Money Conference underscores Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing its mining sector through modernized geo-data platforms. By making crucial geological information widely accessible, Nigeria is poised to attract substantial global investments. The government’s strategy to promote transparency and efficiency through digital technologies and cooperation with international partners illustrates a promising future for Nigeria’s solid minerals industry.
Original Source: punchng.com
