The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has urged global investors to explore Nigeria’s digital geo-data platforms for comprehensive information on the nation’s vast mineral resources.
Speaking at the ongoing Mines and Money Conference at the Business Design Centre, Islington, UK, Dr. Alake highlighted Nigeria’s adoption of digital technology to simplify business inquiries and ensure transparent transactions.
In a statement by his Special Adviser, Kehinde Bamigbetan, on Wednesday, the Minister identified three key platforms— the Nigerian Mineral Decision Support System (NMRDSS), the Electronic Mining Cadastral (EMC+), and the National Geo-Data Centre— as essential resources for prospective investors.
Describing the NMRDSS as a Web application that provides read-only access to geo-scientific and geo-economic data, Alake said it allows users to analyse mineral occurrence locations and make informed decisions regarding mining activities.
He said: ” By providing publicly available data about the geology and mineral wealth of Nigeria, this dynamic resource, updated regularly to make the data as current as possible, enables the investor to explore the environment of the Mineral occurrences of choice. It answers queries of hydrology, demography, geography, urban planning, and transportation.”
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On the EMC+, the Minister said the online, real-time system for administering mineral titles throughout their life cycles is efficient and transparent.
According to the Minister, “This means investors can research and plan their application for titles remotely as far as they have the data required as inputs in the application process.” He noted.
Alake then assured mining business leaders that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to the acquisition of more geological data to improve the value of the platforms, adding that plans afoot by the administration to fund more geological research and leverage the results of research by private and public institutions to build more data.
On certifying the quality of the data, Alake, who doubles as the Chairman of Africa Minerals Strategy Group comprising African mining Ministers, saluted the efforts of geoscientists in Africa for developing a new coding system to certify research reports.
He harped on the need for value addition and beneficiation in the downstream segment of the mining value chain, stating that recent exploration has positioned Nigeria as a key player in the supply of critical minerals to the world.
“The deliberate investment in accurate geoscientific data, particularly for critical minerals such as lithium and rare earth minerals, has positioned Nigeria as a key player in the global transition to a green economy. This transition aligns with our commitment to sustainability and our role in the global fight against climate change.” He said.
Alake who had earlier engaged investors making enquiries about mining at the exhibition booth of the country, urged major mining companies to partner with the Tinubu administration in its efforts to diversify the economy in favour of the solid minerals sector, adding that the collaboration would unlock the country’s vast mineral resources.
“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.
Chief executives at the event include Barrick’s President and chief executive Mark Bristow, Chief Executive Officer, Traxys, Mark Kristoff and General Counsel, Anglo American, Kate Southwell.