(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/contentslider-minerals-300x224.jpg) The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Musa Mohammed Sada has disclosed that his Ministry has produced 2,385 and interpreted airborne geophysical maps, disseminated 1,073 geological maps and geophysical data sheets for geosciences data generation which are critical to investment decision making in the country.
(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/PSmines-ans-steel-n-make-300x200.jpg)Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel with the Minister of Information The Minister said this at the 2013 Ministerial Platform in Abuja on Tuesday, June 11, 2013.
Musa Mohammed Sada further said that Nigerian minerals are industrial minerals which comprise of limestone, gypsum, kaolin, feldspar and clay, have been targeted for development through the 'One Local Government One Mineral Commodity Programme' towards developing the raw materials needed by local manufacturing companies for the production of cement, paint, soap and detergent, among others.
The Minister also said that world – class minerals, such as coal and iron-ore are strategic for Nigeria's industrial development; adding that Nigeria requires coal for the power programme and needs to intensify steel development. His words, "Evaluation programmes have been developed for identified mineral resources aimed at generating the geosciences data needed to make such minerals attractive to investors"; he explained.
(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/sada2-300x224.jpg)The Mines and Steel Development Minister disclosed that his Ministry has computerized the processes and procedures for granting mineral titles; offered 3,007 active mineral titles during the period under review and revoked all non-performing mineral titles, thereby providing for increased activities by genuine mineral title owners.
While speaking on mineral production, revenue and employment generation, he mentioned that the Ministry has facilitated the establishment of 1,154 new quarries, bringing the total quarries in the country to 1,710 as well as 127 small scale mines which brings the total to 223 small scale mines in several locations around the country, thus creating jobs and revenues to Government.
"We also facilitated the production of about 60.54million tons of mineral products comprising industrial minerals – 58.41million tons, metallic minerals – 0.84 million tons of stones/minerals (tourmaline); the Minister disclosed.
The Minister reeled out further achievements such as capacity building and jobs creation for participants in the industry. He said, "The Ministry has trained the first batch of 34 NIMG students in practical oriented programmes in mineral exploration, mining and minerals engineering and facilitated the establishment of professional training programmes by COMEG for 140 professionals. The creation of 1,254,200 rural – based jobs arising from operations in 1,710 quarries, 223 small scale mining operations, 195 mining leases, 845 ASM cooperatives and 2048 exploration licenses has also been facilitated."
The Minister reiterated that to ensure increased steel and metals production, the ministry has given its support to the construction/expansion of steel production by privately – owned steel production companies like the 700,000tpa WEMPCO Steel Plant Cold Rolling Mill; facilitated the production of 2.45million tons of steel products by private steel operators; established a database on steel production and operating companies as well as facilitated the characterization of newly identified mineral resources by NMDC in Jos.
Earlier in his opening address, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku said that the briefing serves as opportunity for the Nigerian public to be aware of the great efforts which the administration is making in the mines sector. "Before the development of oil, mining provided enormous revenue derived from tin and columbite for development activities in the country. The revenue which Nigeria is presently making from oil production is not more than the resources which the country could get from solid mineral exploration, if expanded investment is instituted, he said.
Labaran Maku noted that Nigeria abounds in solid mineral deposits, which if harnessed, would earn capital for the nation and enhance development efforts. He added that some of the major investors in the mineral development sector globally are beginning to look towards Nigeria for their mining investments. He called for upgrade in the efforts to develop the sector so as to impact on the economy through regularization of local mining activities in the country.
Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria