Take Advantage Of Nig’s Geodata Platforms- Alake To Investors

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake has called on investors across the world to take advantage of Nigeria’s geo-data digital platforms to access information on the country’s rich mineral resources.

Alake made the call while addressing Chief Executive Officers of global mining conglomerates at the ongoing annual Mines & Money Conference at the United Kingdom.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister, Kehinde Bamigbetan says Nigeria adopted digital technology to market minerals to ease business enquiries and promote transparent transactions.

It lists three web platforms – Nigerian Mineral Decision Support System, NMRDSS, Electronic Mining Cadastral, EMC+, and National Geo-Data Centre, as key information resources for serious investors.

The statement describes the NMRDSS as a Web application that provides read-only access to geo-scientific and geo-economic data,

According to Dr. Alake, the application allows users to analyse mineral occurrence locations and make informed decisions regarding mining activities.

“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, the Minister adds.”

The statement explains that the EMC+, online, real-time system for administering mineral titles throughout their life cycles is efficient and transparent.

“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 notes.”

The statement which assures 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, adds that plans were underway to fund more geological research and leverage the results of research by private and public institutions to build more data.

According to the statement, Dr. Alake who doubles as the Chairman of Africa Minerals Strategy Group comprising African mining Ministers, commended the efforts of geoscientists in Africa for developing a new coding system to certify research reports.

The statement harps 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 stresses.”

It urges major mining companies to partner the Tinubu administration in its efforts to diversify the economy in favour of the solid minerals sector, adding that the collaboration will unlock the country’s vast mineral resources.

“The future of Nigeria’s solid minerals is brimming with promises. Our doors are open to partnerships and we invite you to join us on this transformative journey.

PR/Georgina Humphrey