• says Nigeria now has over 2 billion tons of verifiable phosphates noodles.
. . . as agency increases limestone resource base from four billion to ten billion tons in 2 years.
In this report, the Director General, Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Dr Garba Abdulrazaq discusses recent geological and exploration reports and analysis of solid mineral samples from surveys across the country.
He said in addition to exploration efforts to support the proposed auction of bitumen blocks, the agency had explored for various minerals including Gold, Silver, Tin, Brime, Kaolin and Graphite among others, stating that the results of sample analysis have reinforced the fact that Nigeria is indeed a mineral-rich nation.
According to the Economic Geologist who currently chairs the Implementation Committee of the National Integrated Mineral Exploration Project (NIMEP), “the recent efforts of the NGSA to support investment policy of government in the mining sector has been very rewarding in view of the encouraging results of the agency’s exploration activities.”
The importance of mineral surveys and geosciences information in promoting mining investment in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized, especially at a time like this when Covid-19 pandemic combined with the country’s dwindling oil revenue to worsen the economic situation of the country.
More than ever before, the solid mineral sector has a crucial role to play in the revitalization of the economy, a quest to which President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Executive Council have pledged their commitment and support.
In pursuit of set goals, the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency has, in the past two years, intensified its effort and have been able to rapidly generate more data than was ever generated before within same duration.
Managing Director, Gembu Mining Limited, Mr Emmanuel Omijeh who was guest at a recent enlightenment session for mining investors organized by the NGSA described the work-done by the agency in the past two years as “the rapid response Nigeria needs to address the economic challenges caused by Covid-19 and dwindling oil prices, and prepare the sector for influx of sustained investment.”
The guests agreed that the level of preparedness of the NGSA has inspired confidence not only in the organization, but in the sector as a whole.
Gembu said the ability of the mining sector to lead the way, or at least significantly contribute to the realization of economic diversification is no longer in doubt if current efforts are sustained.
Director General, NGSA, Dr. Garba Abdulrazaq disclosed the exploration results and sample analysis, stating that management scored goals targeted at providing information needed attract mining investment to the country.
The Director General disclosed that his agency carried out extensive investigation on some minerals, adding that work is still in progress. He said the efforts have led to significant increase in resource base of Gold, Lead, Tin, Graphite, Kaolin, Marble, Phosphate and Brime among others. This, he said is in line with the mandate of the agency to generate geosciences data on minerals in Nigeria.
He explained that the NGSA assessed the carbonate resources of the country and noted that from an initial base of 5.00 billion tons, the NGSA has been able to increase it to 10.60 billion tons (for limestone across the country) during the past two years.
While stating that the website of the NGSA has been redesigned to make it interactive, he explained that the website is not only packed-full of reliable geosciences information, but noted that its new features include the chemical composition of geological materials showcased.
Significance of NGSA Geosciences Investigation to Mines Inspectorate Department
Discussing the significance of the projects to the industry, especially the quest for increased revenue from mining sector, Dr Garba explained that it provides guidance to the Mines Inspectorate Department in the ministry on valuation made by mining companies of what they are exporting.
“Some mining companies under-report their mineral discoveries in the field, they can tell you that they found only lead, whereas they also found silver and some other very important minerals,” he said.
This means that the exploration activities of the NGSA is useful in guiding the Mines Inspectorate Department to correctly evaluate the declarations made by exploration companies who are working in the same location.
Dr Garba assured that the NGSA and Mines Inspectorate will continue to work together to prevent under-valuation of mineral proceeds, thereby saving the nation huge revenue.
While saying that the synergy between the NGSA and the Mines Inspectorate at the ministry has helped to prevent revenue leakages in the mining sector, Dr Garba explained that strengthening the collaboration between relevant stakeholders will enable the sector deliver on its promise of economic diversification and job creation to Nigerians.
