On March 26, 2024, the Honourable Minister for Solid Mineral Development, Dr. Oladele Alake took a step further in his efforts to promote the
campaign for local value addition and reduction of export of raw minerals by embarking on inspection tour to the factory of the African Mineral Resources and Mines Limited in Kaduna State.
The gigantic $600m African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML) facility involves magnetite iron-ore mining through to beneficiation, and pelletisation processes which results to Direct Reduced Iron (DRI). Welcoming the minister, the Managing Director, Mr. Alok Gupta said the group has around 35 state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and facilities located in various locations across Nigeria, creating employment opportunities.
He noted that the investment and expansion in manufacturing with the latest functional technology provide long- term employment to thousands of Nigerians. Drawing parallels between the experience of ANRML and the economic situation in the country, the Minister asserted that the same ingredients of resilience, courage and laying of a solid foundation that the made the company a success story are critical factors guiding the economic restructuring of the present administration, expressing optimism that it will culminate in economic transformation.”
I want to use you, the African Natural Resources and Mines Ltd., as a concrete example of what can happen when you set your mind to it. We have set our minds in this administration and invariably in Nigeria to achieve success, that’s why Mr. President is restructuring the economy. When this company started 7 years ago, we saw one of the foundations through the video documentary, the amount of concrete that went in to erect a foundation, just to carry a giant edifice. That’s what we are going through.
When we get through the gestation period, the results will manifest, and it will herald prosperity, “Dr. Alake added. Less than a fortnight after , on April 4, 2024, the Minister visited the Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), Ilesha, Osun State. He was received by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Segun Lawson.
who stated the readiness of the organisation to sustain the harmonious relationship it has with its host communities adding that about 29% of the company’s current workforce was drawn from the three host communities of Imogbara, Odo-Ijesha and Iperindo.
His words: “Last year, we produced just under 85,000 oz of gold. There has been a lot of knowledge transferred to Nigerians. Our local employees make up 98% of our workforce here and in 2023, we executed over 25 community projects. Over 61% of our procurement is in the country and we import the materials we can’t get in the country. So, the total workforce on the site today is 1,933 people.”Speaking after visiting the mining site, process plant facilities and livelihood restoration program facilities (fishponds and vegetable farms for the host communities), Dr. Alake commended the management for working hard to sustain its relationship with the host communities, further noting, “I have seen for myself here today and it is very commendable.
There are so many mining companies who also signed community development agreements but fall short in delivery…You can be rest assured of the Federal Government’s support to grow the company, to ensure that the government derives maximally the royalties, revenues, taxes that are accruable, that are demanded of you by law.
Once those things are done, you have no problems. We would do everything to ensure that you remain a shining example to others and we will be commending you to other miners who are in the same business, but who are not operating with your processes.””I must say that, one other thing that gladdens my heart is to see young Nigerians in charge here.
1,933 people.”Speaking after visiting the mining site, process plant facilities and livelihood restoration program facilities (fishponds and vegetable farms for the host communities), Dr. Alake commended the management for working hard to sustain its relationship with the host communities, further noting, “I have seen for myself here today and it is very commendable.
There are so many mining companies who also signed community development agreements but fall short in delivery…You can be rest assured of the Federal Government’s support to grow the company, to ensure that the government derives maximally the royalties, revenues, taxes that are accruable, that are demanded of you by law.
Once those things are done, you have no problems. We would do everything to ensure that you remain a shining example to others and we will be commending you to other miners who are in the same business, but who are not operating with your processes.””I must say that, one other thing that gladdens my heart is to see young Nigerians in charge here.
Source: ALAKE ON RESCUE MISSION, a publication of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, MoSMD.
