The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called on global investors to leverage Nigeria’s advanced geo-data platforms to explore the country’s vast mineral wealth.
Speaking at the ongoing Mines & Money Conference in Islington, London, Dr. Alake highlighted the adoption of digital technology by the Federal Government as part of efforts to facilitate business inquiries and promote transparent transactions in the solid minerals sector.
According to a statement by Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, the Minister’s Special Adviser, Dr. Alake introduced three key web platforms:
- Nigerian Mineral Decision Support System (NMRDSS):
A web-based tool providing access to geo-scientific and geo-economic data.
Enables investors to analyze mineral occurrences, hydrology, demography, geography, urban planning, and transportation for informed decision-making.
- Electronic Mining Cadastral (EMC+):
An online, real-time system for managing mineral titles throughout their life cycles, ensuring efficiency and transparency.
Allows remote research and application planning for prospective investors.
- National Geo-Data Centre:
A central repository offering updated geological and mineral wealth data.
Commitment to Data Quality and Sustainability
Dr. Alake emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to enhancing geological data acquisition and research. Plans include increased funding for public and private sector research to expand and refine available data.
He praised the work of African geoscientists in developing a coding system to certify research reports, ensuring the reliability of data for investors.
Positioning Nigeria as a Global Mining Hub
Highlighting Nigeria’s potential, Dr. Alake underscored recent discoveries of critical minerals like lithium and rare earth elements, positioning the country as a significant player in the global transition to a green economy.
“The deliberate investment in accurate geoscientific data, particularly for critical minerals, aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to sustainability and the global fight against climate change,” he stated.
He also stressed the need for value addition and beneficiation in downstream mining, urging investors to collaborate with the government to unlock the sector’s potential.
Appeal to Global Investors
Dr. Alake made a compelling pitch to executives from leading mining companies, including Barrick’s Mark Bristow, Traxys’ Mark Kristoff, and Anglo American’s Kate Southwell.
“The future of Nigeria’s solid minerals is brimming with promise. Our doors are open to partnerships, and we invite you to join us on this transformative journey,” he concluded.
A Vision for Diversification
The Minister reiterated the Tinubu administration’s focus on diversifying Nigeria’s economy by prioritizing the solid minerals sector, aiming to drive sustainable growth and reduce reliance on oil.
The event also featured investor engagements at Nigeria’s exhibition booth, where participants explored opportunities in the country’s evolving mining sector.