Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, emphasized at the 9th Annual Nigeria Mining Week that Nigeria must transition from raw mineral extraction to local value addition. He outlined plans to enhance processing capabilities, mentioning newly inaugurated lithium processing plants and strategies to secure resources against illegal mining. The event aims to convene stakeholders to drive innovation and policies enhancing the mining sector’s contribution to the economy.
Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development in Nigeria, emphasized the need for the country to move beyond raw extraction in the mining industry to unlock the sector’s full potential. Speaking at the launch of the ninth Annual Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, he highlighted that Nigeria is endowed with 44 minerals, including critical minerals essential for energy transition, yet exploration must lead to value addition through processing and beneficiation. Alake reiterated the government’s commitment to developing systems that allow Nigerians to harness local resources effectively. He mentioned recent initiatives such as the inauguration of lithium processing plants in Nasarawa State, and plans to establish additional plants near the Federal Capital Territory, demonstrating the government’s focus on local value addition. This strategy is designed to propel Nigeria into a significant player within the global mineral value chain, ensuring wealth remains within local communities. Moreover, the administration is taking steps to enhance the security of mineral resources and combat illegal mining through a mix of persuasive and coercive approaches. The Annual Nigeria Mining Week serves as a vital platform for dialogue among global investors, industry experts, and policymakers, aiming to drive innovation and address challenges facing the sector. Under the theme “From the Inside Out: Building the Mining Sector to be the Cornerstone of the Economy,” the event aligns stakeholders in their collective ambition to foster a mining industry that supports national prosperity, sustainable growth, and industrial advancement. Dele Ayanleke, President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, noted that this mining week facilitates an evaluation of the industry’s progress, setting future agendas, and showcasing technological advancements. PwC representative Habeeb Jaiyeola added that the event aims to highlight Nigeria’s achievements in mining, encouraging local investment and competitive global standing, especially amidst the shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The article discusses Nigeria’s mining sector, particularly its shift from mere extraction of minerals to adding value that contributes to economic development. With a wealth of natural resources, including essential minerals for energy transition, the Nigerian government seeks to implement policies that promote local processing rather than exporting raw materials. The focus is on creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that communities benefit from their resources, all while addressing the challenges posed by illegal mining activities.
The Nigerian government, under the leadership of Dr. Dele Alake, is dedicated to transforming its mining sector from raw mineral extraction to a robust value-adding industry. By organizing events like the Annual Nigeria Mining Week, the administration aims to foster global partnerships, drive innovation, and ensure local communities benefit from their mineral wealth. This strategic focus on value addition is expected to bolster the nation’s economic strength, sustainability, and position within the international mining sector.
Original Source: nannews.ng
