₦airaland Forum

The Kaduna Police Command on Wednesday confirmed that 16 miners were abducted by armed bandits at Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.
According to the police, the miners were returning from a mining site in a truck when they were intercepted by the gunmen.
The incident occurred at Pole Wire bush, close to Bogoma village of the troubled Birnin Gwari town.
Among those kidnapped, according to a statement signed by the state police spokesperson, Yakubu Sabo, was one Isa Tanimu.
He said the command has already deployed officers to track down the suspects. He said the suspects have started communicating with families of those abducted demanding ransom.
“We received an information that on 25/9/18 at about 1830hrs, bandits intercepted a truck in the bush of Pole Wire conveying local miners who were returning from site to Bogoma village.
“They kidnapped one Isa Tanimu and 15 others all of the same village. Teams of policemen have been dispatched to the scene alongside the command anti-kidnapping unit for surveillance with the view to rescue the victims and arrest the criminals. The latest information available is that a link has been established with them (kidnappers).
They have started demanding for ransom,” he said.
Mr Sabo said the police is making ‘a discreet effort’ to track down the abductors.
Birnin Gwari is one of the areas most troubled by armed bandits in Kaduna State. Scores of people have been killed and several houses burnt by the bandits who also kidnap for ransom in the area and neighbouring communities.
The attacks have continued despite the establishment of an army barracks in the area.

Source
https://www.miningng.com/gunmen-abduct-16-nigerian-miners-in-kaduna/

An aspirant under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), has promised to give priority to the mineral resources of Nasarawa state to improve the people’s fortune.

The aspirant Mr, Mohammed Musa Maikaya, made the pronouncements while addressing journalists at the Secretariat of Nigerian Union of journalist in Lafia, Nasarawa state capital.

Nigeria Mining Week
Maikaya, a geologist who criticised the past administration for not utilizing the abundant mineral resources of the state to better the welfare of the people said minerals can be found in almost all the Local Government Area of the state. He promised to use it to add value to humanity in the state saying that his government, if elected would give equal opportunity to all citizens.

https://www.miningng.com/aspirant-vows-to-harness-solid-mineral-potential-of-nasarawa-state/

THE Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Abubakar Bwari, said on Tuesday that President Muhammadu Buhari was determined to reposition the mining sector and significantly improve its contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Bwari said this in Abuja during the commencement of the implementation of low-density Geochemical mapping project between China Geological Survey (CGS) and Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA).
According to him, the key areas being considered are the low-density Geochemical mapping, the National Geo-Information System and Geo-data sharing, two critical areas necessary for nation building.
He said that Buhari had taken decisive steps in advancing the diversification agenda of the Federal Government by de-risking the sector in many ways.
“The steps are the recent commissioning of the Nationwide Integrated Minerals Exploration Programme (NIMEP), acquisition of 26,000 line-kilometres of Electromagnetic data, improved funding of the sector and initiation of the National Council on Mining.’’
According to him, the operationalisation of MOUs with China, Morocco, South Africa and others are part of the administration’s agenda of raising the contribution of the mining sector to the economy of the nation.
Bwari added that the efforts would also address the challenges of youth unemployment, poverty and engendering safer mining practices.
He said that at the commencement of the present administration, the ministry came up with a robust roadmap for the mining sector with the objective of advancing and adding value to the use of different mineral commodities.
“One of the key enablers that will fast-track the achievement of these objectives is the building of the necessary technical and other requisite skills that will ensure the supply of steady talent required by the sector in Nigeria.
“This programme is, therefore, coming at the most auspicious time and we must thank the China Geological Survey for this critical input.’’
He said that with the 44 identified and undiscovered minerals in Nigeria, there was the need for a more defined array of Geoscience information, especially Geochemical data essential for mining sector investment and for environmental sustainability.
In his remarks, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Zhou Pingjian, said that the ceremony marked a good start of cooperation between two countries in the field of Geosciences.

https://www.miningng.com/nigeria-china-commence-implementation-of-low-density-geochemical-mapping/

NIGERIA MINING WEEK 2018

3rd Annual Nigeria Mining Week

Date: 15 – 17 October 2018

Venue: NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, Nigeria

NIGERIA MINING WEEK WELCOMES YOU!

We would like to welcome all of you to another week dedicated to a mining discourse, interaction and networking for the development of the mining industry in Nigeria. Welcome to the 3rd edition of Nigeria Mining Week in which every mining stakeholder in Nigeria and globally abroad is seen as the vehicle for driving the industry forward and ensuring that the transformation of the industry continues.

The Nigerian mining industry has witnessed great development within the last two year; with the improved funding of the sector to implement the Roadmap for Mining Development, the Ministry continues to tackle critical challenges such as exploration, policing of the Nigerian’s mine fields to checkmate illegal mining and support the artisanal and small scale mining to encourage legal mining practice.

The above has translated into increased government revenue and massive employment. It has also generated interest from foreign and indigenous investors in Nigeria. We need to support the Government to create an enabling environment for the growth of this promising industry.

The 3rd edition of Nigeria Mining Week is structured to be rewarding to all participants; Whether you are new to the Nigerian mining sector, a season professional or even a would-be- miner/investor in the Nigerian mining sector, this week of activities will encompass all the ‘need to know’ aspect to make sure your valuable time spent is a step to discover the potential of the mining industry in Nigeria: Finance masterclass, international exhibition, Dragon’s den, mentorship facilitation, technical workshops, networking sessions ,and unlimited connections are some of the key features awaiting for you during the week.

We hope to see you and join us in talking Nigeria into the global mining arena so as to support the country’s strong movement towards economic diversification.

OUR AGENDA FOR 2018:

B2B INTERNATIONAL EXPO INDOOR AND OUTDOOR : [/b]Featuring leading technology and innovative services covering the value chain of the mining industry.
[b]STRATEGIC CONFERENCE: Providing strategic insights into hot legal and regulatory issues, investment, finance as well as market access and community involvement.
FREE TECHNICAL WORKSHOPS: Enhancing practical expertise to grow artisanal and small-scale operations with an A to Z mining toolkit.
DISCUSSION ROUNDTABLES: Deep diving into the key challenges facing the stakeholders
DRAGONSDEN: Enabling project financing by pitching mining business plans to a panel of selected financiers.
MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME: is a free business accelerator empowering and strengthening the capacity of mining entrepreneurs.
NEW MATCHMAKING MEETINGS: Schedule and organise all your business meetings in advance to maximise your participation at the event and ensure valuable business connections.
The event is open to Mining companies, Small scale mining operators, Government & academics, Banking/financial, Consultants, legal, advisory, Cement providers, Logistics & transport, mining services, etc

The 2018 brochure and all other details are available here: https://www.miningng.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-nigeria-mining-week-2018/

Thor Explorations Limited announces it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NORINCO International Cooperation Ltd to enter into an EPC contract on a comprehensive lump sum turnkey basis to build the required plant and associated infrastructure for the company’s Segilola gold project in Nigeria. The scope of the EPC Turnkey Contract covers the design, engineering, procurement, site preparation, construction, commissioning, performance testing and hand-over of the Project and its associated infrastructure.

Thor is currently undertaking a Definitive Feasibility Study which will be compiled in accordance with the guidelines set out in Canadian National Instrument (NI) 43-101. The DFS is being prepared through the collaboration of a number of specialist consulting firms including Roscoe Postle Associates Inc, GR Engineering Services Ltd, NORINCO International, Auralia Mining Consulting and Knight Piesold Consulting. The company expects to complete the DFS in Q4 2018, which will be supported by the EPC turnkey contract. The final terms of the EPC contract are to be negotiated following the completion of the DFS.

Segun Lawson, President & CEO, stated “We have been working with NORINCO International for the past year and there is an excellent level of cooperation and understanding between Thor and NORINCO International. NORINCO International have provided a competitive EPC proposal priced on the Preliminary Feasibility Study design, which provides confidence that the project can be delivered on time and on budget by a well-established EPC contractor. The MOU offers a clear path to Thor achieving gold production at Segilola in 2020.

NORINCO International Cooperation Ltd is an incorporated company

The Federal Government of Nigeria is currently reforming its mining industry which would be beneficial to both local and foreign investors, per Vanguard News. Part of the government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017 to 2020 is to develop a strategy focused on improving the sector, especially solving several problems that hinder its success.

Nigeria is rich in minerals. In fact, there are about 44 known types of minerals of different mixes that can be found in the country, though some of the minerals are concentrated in specific regions. Among its most abundant minerals are uranium, iron ore, gold, coal, coke, bitumen, coke, lignite, tantalite and many more.

Despite this richness, Nigeria’s mining sector has faced various challenges over the years. Some of these problems include the lack of funding when it comes to exploring underutilized mineral deposits in other regions of Nigeria. In addition, upon discovery of oil in the country, the mining industry was overlooked, per Nigeria Mining. Another problem is that the industry has been dominated by small companies that employ unlicensed and unskilled employees, which are likely the cause of worse environmental impacts and health hazards.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the solid mineral sector of the country provided only about 0.3 percent of the overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria in 2017, per The Guardian. Compared from about five decades ago when the mining sector has contributed about 4 to 5 percent, this shows the sector has extensively declined over the years.

A conducive environment for mining explorations and operations
Because of the government’s development plan for the mining sector, Nigeria now has one of the most conducive environments for mining explorations and operations. According to the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development Abubakar Bawa Bwari, there have already been $3.32 billion investments from private companies and individuals for mining projects.

mining investment
Nigeria’s mining reforms make the country a conducive environment for mining activities. (Source)

Bwari also said that there are new export guidelines for mineral commodities that are being amended. The focus of these provisions would be the issues in granting licensing and export permits.

There are already a number of investors that have mineral titles including:

Symbol Mining/Goidal Resources — focuses on lead-zinc deposits in Nasarawa and Bauchi regions
Thor Explorations Limited — develops mine and exploration works for Segilola Gold Projects
First Patriots — already started mining and is now generating about 5,000 tons of lead-zinc concentrates per month
Eta-zuma Group and Ashaka Cement Plc — operates two coal mines
Promethean Resources — focuses on columbite concentrates and tin production
The government is also developing strategies in order to easily transport finished products through the National Integrated Infrastructure Masterplan. According to Bwari, River Niger cleanup has already been completed and the development of Warri Port and the Escravos Channel is about to be finished. The rail line from Warri Port through Ajaokuta to Itakpe is already finished. This would eventually speed up the export and import of goods.

The Central Corridor Railway Line is also being developed. This would benefit the North Central regions, which are abundant in iron ore, steel plants, coal resource and pegmatite-bearing lithium.

With more projects being developed and continued government efforts to make it easier for investors to get into the country’s mining sector, we may see Nigeria’s economy grow in just a few years.

Source: https://www.miningng.com/mining-investors-see-potential-in-nigeria-amid-government-reforms/

The Federal Government has ordered mining operators in the country to as a matter of urgency obtain Community Development Agreement (CDA).

Noting that Community Development Agreement is very critical to the mining sector, the federal government tasked mining operators to be responsible to the communities where they operate, warning that, no operator should be allowed to operate henceforth in the sector without the Community Development Agreement.

This was disclosed in Abuja, by the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), during its sensitisation meeting between miners and host communities in Bwari Area Council to discuss issues as it relates to mining activities in the Area Council.

The FCT Mines Environmental Compliant officer and a member of the committee from the Ministry of Mines and Steel, Engr. Osseini Enoch Ukwenya, said that, “The committee is also to ensure adherence to the agreement signed by the operators.”

According to him, “There is bound to be disagreement between the operators and the host communities, which I believe is subject to negotiation as mining affects every community including displacement.

“And, displacement, should bring about compensation to the owner of the land as the land may not be useful to the owner for a long time even after mining activities.”

Ekwenya, said the recurring issue between the operators and the host communities had been that of pollution, as well as the inability of the operators to keep to the agreement entered into with the communities.

“The committee has to advise on matter of pollution, how does it affect the community and what is the operator doing to minimise the pollution. It is the duty of the operators to ensure that the pollution in their areas of operation are brought to minimal level.

“Mining operators has to be responsible to the community where they are operating and the committee is putting all hands on deck to ensure that no operator operates in any community without a Community Development Agreement, which is very critical to the ministry. The committee is also to ensure adherence to the agreement signed by the operators.”

He agreed that there were issues that needed to be addressed in the Mineral and Mining Act, which he said were part of what the committee needed to resolve, based on complaints received from host communities and the operators.

“We will be able to marry them together for proper legislation, what we call an annexure to the present existing Mineral Act to help streamline the process and for a proper activities of mining and the benefits of the communities,” he said.

He, however, appealed to aggrieved parties to channel their grievances through the appropriate authorities, “especially through the committee, in order to ensure that no one takes law into his or her hand as the committee is set to address issues of grievances.”

Similarly, the Federal Mines Officer in charge of FCT and Secretary of the Committee, Engr. Ayelabola Olubunmi, noted that part of the reasons for the meeting was to remind the operators of their social responsibilities to the host communities based on community development.

He also stressed the need to strengthen the grey areas in the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007, which he said will help, in making more inputs into the sector through legislation.

He appealed for the cooperation of Etsu of Bwari and other District Heads present at the meeting, to ensure a peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationship between the host communities and the operators while encouraging the operators to do more community projects and engage them on social responsibility.

On his part, the Etsu of Bwari, HRH Ibrahim Yaro (JP), commended the Ministry for constituting the Committee which he believed would bring about peace and sustainability between the operators and the host communities.

He pointed out the need for the Committee to always copy him, as the paramount ruler when issuing licences to operators within his domain.

https://www.miningng.com/fg-orders-mining-companies-to-obtain-community-development-agreement/

Nigeria’s solid minerals sector contributes N3.5 billion Naira annually to the federation account, Minister for Solid Minerals and Steel Development, Abubakar Bwari, said on Thursday in Zurich.
Bwari stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on the sidelines of the 2018 Nigeria Business and Investment Forum holding in Zurich.
He said that the new figure was from royalties paid by operators noting that in previous years the sector generated N700 million annually.
According to him, the sector could generate more revenue if the challenges of illegal mining, smuggling and lack of technical know – how are addressed.
He said: “In 2015 the president gave us the mandate of developing the solid minerals sector in order to return it back to its old glory of the 1960s.
The mandate includes revenue generation, creation of jobs and ensuring better mining practices.
What we did was to address the challenges in the sector and came up with a roadmap that would reposition the sector to its old glory.“
So far we have succeeded in finding solutions to some of the challenges impeding growth of the sector.
To this end, mining activities has increased. Similarly 13 percent derivation is being enjoyed by host states.
Also we have a huge interest from international investors and an increase in the issuance of mining licenses.”
Bwari, also noted that the Ministry had facilitated a “Purchase programme” where the Central Bank can buy refined gold from miners and save as deposits for future trade.
It can be recalled that mining in the country dates back to 1903. Coal, Limestone, Bitumen, Barite, Iron Ore, and Lead/Zinc are among the main viable resources for economic development.
https://www.miningng.com/nigerias-solid-minerals-contributes-n3-5b-annually-to-federation-account-minister/

The FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Friday confirmed the information about the earth tremor witnessed in some parts of the F.C.T.

They were also quick to assure residents of the F.C.T that there was no likelihood of earthquake within the territory and the country, adding that the earth tremor was only in Mpappe and its environs on Thursday.

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory were alarmed by the sudden shake of the earth in the affected areas which was their first experience in many years. The tremor instilled fear in the residents, resulting to confusion about the cause of the terrific happenings around them.

The Director-General of the Agency, Mr Abass Idris, had said there is no cause for alarm. In a press statement; He informed occupants of the FCT that the earth tremor is a sign of seismic movement within the earth. This is often caused by sudden breaks along a fault line which results in sudden release of energy that makes the ground to shake.

FEMA also stated that it is caused by stress in underground rocks and may be due to rock blasting and mining activities within the area.

“We are urging all residents to calm down and be rest assured that the abnormal situation would soon stop.”

https://www.miningng.com/fema-associates-tremor-in-abuja-to-mining-activities/

The Chief Executive Officer, Symbol Mining, Tim Wither, has said port facilities are affecting the mining sector’s development. He advised the government to improve them.

He said the speed with which products could pass through the port had great impact on the economic viability and companies’ ability to develop projects.

He said with the Free Trade Zones (FTZ) and other infrastructure upgrades within the Lagos ports, there was optimism that these improvements would have a great impact in developing the resource industry.

Wither also spoke on the forthcoming Nigeria Mining Week scheduled to take place in October in Abuja. He said because the industry as in its infancy, a lot of the technical skills are sourced from outside the country, particularly mining engineers and exploration geologists.

He, however, expressed the commitment of the company to grow these capabilities in-house by training and educating people from the local communities. This, he noted, would support the aggressive exploration and growth strategies and help expand the industry.

Symbol mining, he said, is an Australian publicly listed company, which started mining recently at the high-grade zinc and lead Imperial Joint Venture project in Bauchi State. The company, according to him, has been working in Nigeria since 2012, and brings international technical, marketing and financial expertise for the commercialisation of the mining and exploration projects.

The company, he said, has two local joint venture projects, Tawny in Nasarawa State and Imperial in Bauchi State, with total tenements spanning over 500km. According to him, in the last six years, the company has completed over 12,000m of exploration drilling and released a maiden Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) compliant Resource of 132,700t at 18.3per cent Zn (zinc) and 2.1per cent Pb (lead) for the Macy Deposit located at the Imperial project.

‘’Our maiden resource demonstrated a mineralisation zone of high-grade zinc and lead. The subsequent completion of the Macy Deposit scoping study confirmed the economic viability for high-grade direct shipment ore (DSO) to both Chinese and European smelters. The firm’s marketing plan is to develop a high-quality product brand, selling directly to smelters through established offtake partnerships,’’ he assured.

The company’s strategy is to generate early cashflow from open pit mining at the Macy Deposit, which will facilitate further exploration activities at Imperial and Tawny, and potentially expand our resource base to grow the Company. Central to our future success, is the support of the local community and development of a skilled workforce. Our core values include respect and acceptance from the local communities in which we operate, and this is only achieved by open and honest conversations.

‘’We communicate information on the project and listen to any challenges faced by the community. We are also focused on building a skilled local workforce and creating a framework for them to develop and learn a range of skills in a controlled and supportive environment, we would like to be the employer of choice for the mining industry in Nigeria,’’ he added.

In the next five years, we will spend a considerable amount of efforts in training and up-skilling our team, so they can then manage and grow our future projects, this will in turn benefit the mining community.

‘’We want local communities to benefit from the growth of the mining industry. One of the strongest principles within the Nigerian Mining Code is the mandatory Community Development Agreement (CDA), something which other more established mining jurisdictions,‘’ he said

https://www.miningng.com/nigerian-ports-need-improvement-to-accelerate-growth-of-mining-sector-tim-wither/

All quarrying/mining activities and borehole drilling have been suspended forthwith in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister Muhammad Bello, announced yesterday.

It was in reaction to the earth tremors in the territory.

Affected by the quarrying/mining and borehole drilling suspension are Mpape, Gwarimpa and Garki districts.

The suspension will subsist pending the outcome of investigations on the causes of the tremors.

Bello yesterday paid an on-the-spot visit to Mpape, the epicentre of reported incidents of earth tremors in parts of Abuja recently.

Speaking for the minister, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, assured residents that there was no cause for alarm.

He said Abuja does not lie in any major seismic danger zone.

The minister’s Chief Press Secretary, Cosmas Uzodinma, said preliminary reports on the tremors indicated that rock blasting from quarrying, mining activities and proliferation of borehole drilling might have caused the situation.

Consequently, he stressed, it became necessary to suspend all quarrying activities in various sites of Abuja, especially Mpape, Garki, Gwarimpa and contiguous areas.

https://www.miningng.com/fct-minister-suspends-mining-quarrying-activities-in-abuja/

Gunmen have killed five persons at a mining site in Gana-Ropp village of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau state.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Terna Tyopev, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in the state, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Jos.

“On Tuesday at 12:30.p.m, we received distress call from Da Gyang Pam, the village head of Gana-Ropp village in Barkin Ladi, saying that there had been sporadic gunshots at a mining site around the area.

” A team of policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Barkin Ladi Division was dispatched to the scene of crime.

“On arrival, it was discovered that five persons were shot by gunmen who fled the scene before the arrival of policemen

” Our men immediately moved those with gunshots to the General Hospital in the locality but were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, “Tyopev said.

He said that the dead bodies had been released to the families of the victims for burial.

He said investigation was ongoing to arrest those behind the dastardly act.

The police spokesman called on members of the public with useful information on the killings to make it available to the security agencies for prompt action.

https://www.miningng.com/gunmen-kill-five-at-plateau-mining-site/

Precious Aurum Integrated Services is a Mining company that is involved in virtually every facet of geological field and other business associated with mining.

Job Title: Marketing Executive

Location: Abuja

Job Requirements.

HND/BSc required in marketing or related courses.

Minimum of 2 years of experience.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize work

Attention to detail and problem-solving skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task.

Application Closing Date

31/08/2018

How to Apply
Visit
https://www.miningng.com/precious-aurum-integrated-services-is-recruiting/

Cross River Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested six suspected illegal miners in Biase Local Government Area of the state.

NSCDC Commandant in Anambra, Mr Stephen Lar, said this while addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Calabar that the suspects were arrested at a mining site on Monday.

Lar said that the command had declared zero tolerance for illegal mining due to increasing activities of unlicensed miners in the state.

According to him, NSCDC was saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that the nation’s economy is not sabotaged.

“Mining is the statutory responsibility of the Federal Government, anybody who engages in mining must obtain a licence from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

“We were informed of these illegal activities through a tip off in Biase Local Government Area of the state.

“Illegal mining has become a lucrative activity in that area and my men swung into action and arrested these people in the act.

“We are going to carry out an intensive investigation to find out from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel if they have license to operate or not.

“After that, we can prosecute them in the court of law to serve as a deterrent to others’’, he said.

The commandant further said that the command had reduced cases of vandalism and oil bunkering to the barest minimum in the state, saying that the command is now handling illegal mining.

“The eagle eye of NSCDC is everywhere, residents in Cross River should shun all acts of illegality because the law will not respect anybody found wanting.

He said that since he took over the command two months ago, he has arraigned 24 suspects for various crimes, particularly in the oil sector.

“We have achieved a lot during this short period that I resumed work here; I must commend all the officers and men of this command for their efforts in fighting all forms of illegality.

One of the suspects told newsmen that he was a staff of one of the mining companies in Biase.

“My company did not ask me to go in search of the precious stones and I don’t have any licence to operate.

“I only got information that there is a new target area that has large precious stones, that was why I had to take some guys along with me to the place.

“The area where I got the precious stones does not fall within my company’s area, I only went there to get them and sell in order to buy food to eat’’, he explained.

https://www.miningng.com/illegal-mining-nscdc-arrests-6-suspects-in-cross-river/

Precious Aurum Integrated Services is a Mining company that is involved in virtually every facet of geological field and other business associated with mining.

Job Title: Marketing Executive

Location: Abuja

Job Requirements.

HND/BSc required in marketing or related courses.

Minimum of 2 years of experience.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize work

Attention to detail and problem-solving skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task.

Application Closing Date

31/08/2018

How to Apply
Visit
https://www.miningng.com/precious-aurum-integrated-services-is-recruiting/

Steps are being taken to look into the draft Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) model mining and minerals development Act of with a view of validating its texts.

The scrutiny is to be done by national mining experts, who will carefully consider amendments both in substance and form to the entire draft mining document as presented and build consensus on the articles contained in the texts.

To this end, a three-Day Workshop was held in Abuja on August 14, 2018 to create a harmonious and regulated environment for the overall sustainability of the mining sector in the region, among others.

In his opening statement, the ECOWAS Commission’s Commissioner for Energy and Mines Mr Sediko Douka noted that the workshop “initiates the formal statutory process for the adoption of a Community Act on mining and mineral development”.

He stressed that in the exertions of the delegates, the fundamental question to be answered bordered on whether the draft ECOWAS Model Mining and Minerals Development Act (EMMMDA) and its implementation strategy in substance, sufficiently captures the present aspiration towards developing the region’s mineral sector.

Mr Douka noted that it is in line with the ECOWAS revised treaty spelling out the establishment of an inclusive regional strategy for the geo-extractive sector, that the ECOWAS Commission foresees the creation of an “inclusive and functional geo-extractive sector architecture which is well structured and untimely integrated for global competitiveness”.

In the desire to have a harmonised regulatory environment in the medium term, the Commissioner spelt out the tasks on hand to include the development of a geo-extractive database and statistical information framework to guide the reporting of progress along the value chain of the sector as well as the establishment of a regional geo-extractive observatory and cadastre system as a one-stop repository of information on activities in the sector.

Similarly, he said the efforts of the experts should be on how to sustain the ECOWAS Mining and Petroleum Forum (ECOMOF) for the sector’s inclusive development dialogue while formulating a trans-boundary geo-extractive development framework in the same breathe.

Earlier in his welcome address, the national expert from Nigeria who chaired the session Mr Aminu Bature Mustapha described the EMMMDA as a beautiful document that has the potentials of moving the geo-extractive sector in the ECOWASA region to the next level.

The workshop is featuring working sessions as well as presentations on and review of the draft EMMMDA.

Already adopted is an ECOWAS Mineral Development Policy and its implementation which outlines some major activities to be undertaken by the Commission and Member States in order to develop the mineral sector in the region.

The outcome of the experts’ Workshop stemming from the review of the EMMMDA will be forwarded with recommendations to the sector ministers for their consideration.
https://www.miningng.com/experts-scrutinise-ecowas-model-mining-and-minerals-development-act/

Alhaji Abubakar Bwari, the Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, says that mining sector in Nigeria has not seen commensurate development due to insufficient data on geosciences.

Bwari made this known while inaugurating the Integrated Exploration Project of the Ministry on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, insufficient geosciences data is responsible for the decline in the mining sector contribution to the Gross Domestic Products, saying that the sector contributed “paltry 0.35 per cent” the Gross Domestic Product.

He said: “This is an unhealthy situation that makes our country economy particularly vulnerable.

“President Muhammadu Buhari’s determination to reverse this trend gave rise to the economic diversification agenda, anchored primarily on mining and agriculture sectors.

“There is no doubt that a well-developed mining sector can easily catalyse Nigeria’s industrial revolution through import substitution and address youth unemployment, poverty and insecurity.”

Bwari said the present administration in the country was determined to reposition the mining sector by increasing its contribution to the GDP from 0.35 per cent to 8.4 per cent by 2020.

He said that the percentage was the target set by the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan for the ministry.

The minister said the inauguration of the project was long overdue, but expressed optimism that its success would be critical in determining how far government could go in its efforts to reposition the sector.

He said: “We expect maximum commitment in the execution of this project, because a lot is at stake.’’

The minister said following the policies laid down in the mining roadmap to help actualise the government diversification agenda, the ministry intended to advance the use of different mineral commodities in many ways.

According to him, industrial minerals will be used for local consumption and import substitution; metallic minerals for generating foreign exchange and energy minerals for power generation toward the national growth and sustainable development.

He said: “The credibility of this ministry as well as the seriousness with which international community will evaluate our effort at becoming a viable mining jurisdiction will depend on the way we handle this critical project.”

He urged the contractors and consultants handling the project to strictly adhere to the job specifications and contractual agreements stipulated in the term of engagement and ensure adequate usage of local expertise to enhance the success of the project.

Contributing, Dr Abubakar Muazu, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said that the project was the first of its kind in the history of the ministry.

Muazu said: “This project will not only be monitored in Nigeria, but also all over the world because of its importance, we are expected to deliver according to international best practices.”

Alex Nwegbu, the Director-General, Nigeria Geological Survey Agency, said the urgent need to address the data deficit in the mining sector necessitated the project.

Nwegbu said that President Buhari, desirous of improving the sector contribution to the GDP, approved N30 billion intervention fund as enabler of the project.

He said the ministry had selected some strategic mineral commodities such as gold, pegmatite, tantalite, barytes, iron among others for the implementation of the project.
https://www.miningng.com/insufficient-data-responsible-for-decline-in-mining-sector-minister/

The Federal Government has urged women in communities replete with gold deposit to begin to participate actively in gold mining activities in order to enhance their economic wellbeing.

According to a statement made in Osogbo on Thursday, the Minister of State for Solid Minerals, Alhaji Bawa Abubakar, said this in Ibodi, Osun State at the sensitisation and awareness campaign on gender mainstreaming in the Nigerian mining sector.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Promoting women in mines towards mining prosperity’, the minister, who was represented by the Desk Officer Gender, Mrs Hasana Shaaba, said the involvement of women in gold mining should be active in order to enjoy the benefits it had to offer.

The minister said, “Mining is one of the jobs that Federal Government generates a huge sum of money from. Government has observed that women have special skills that bring more development and money in any organisation where they function.

“That is one of the reasons the Federal Government wants females to be actively involved in mining jobs at every stage of artisanal gold mining business. This will also enhance their financial worth and capacity.”

He said women were afraid of doing the job because they taught mining would add extra burden to the traditional roles as wives and mother.

The Director of Artisanal and Small Scale Mining, Mr Patrick Ojeka , said mining jobs were much more lucrative than jobs in the health, education, nutrition and smaller scale infrastructure projects that women liked to do.

He said that the sensitisation was organised by FG to educate the womenfolk in communities with gold deposit that they could also participate in gold mining activities just like their men counterparts.

A Gender Consultant, Mrs Ngozichi Okorie, said women could participate in mining jobs as miners, processors and marketers, saying they just needed to explore the opportunities available to them to better their lots.

She, however, said that women had not been participating in mining due to personal and structural barriers and that most of them did not have time to train in mining.

She said they would train women in the community to participate in the activities that would help the mining sector.
https://www.miningng.com/fg-urges-women-to-participate-in-mining/

The Federal Government has urged women in communities replete with gold deposit to begin to participate actively in gold mining activities in order to enhance their economic wellbeing.

According to a statement made in Osogbo on Thursday, the Minister of State for Solid Minerals, Alhaji Bawa Abubakar, said this in Ibodi, Osun State at the sensitisation and awareness campaign on gender mainstreaming in the Nigerian mining sector.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Promoting women in mines towards mining prosperity’, the minister, who was represented by the Desk Officer Gender, Mrs Hasana Shaaba, said the involvement of women in gold mining should be active in order to enjoy the benefits it had to offer.

The minister said, “Mining is one of the jobs that Federal Government generates a huge sum of money from. Government has observed that women have special skills that bring more development and money in any organisation where they function.

“That is one of the reasons the Federal Government wants females to be actively involved in mining jobs at every stage of artisanal gold mining business. This will also enhance their financial worth and capacity.”

He said women were afraid of doing the job because they taught mining would add extra burden to the traditional roles as wives and mother.

The Director of Artisanal and Small Scale Mining, Mr Patrick Ojeka , said mining jobs were much more lucrative than jobs in the health, education, nutrition and smaller scale infrastructure projects that women liked to do.

He said that the sensitisation was organised by FG to educate the womenfolk in communities with gold deposit that they could also participate in gold mining activities just like their men counterparts.

A Gender Consultant, Mrs Ngozichi Okorie, said women could participate in mining jobs as miners, processors and marketers, saying they just needed to explore the opportunities available to them to better their lots.

She, however, said that women had not been participating in mining due to personal and structural barriers and that most of them did not have time to train in mining.

She said they would train women in the community to participate in the activities that would help the mining sector.
https://www.miningng.com/fg-urges-women-to-participate-in-mining/

Alhaji Abubakar Bwari, the Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, says the ministry has been able to access N15 billion from the N30 billion mining intervention fund.

Bwari made this known when speaking with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had in Nov. 2016 approved N30 billion intervention fund for mineral exploration.

The fund was drawn from the Natural Resource Development Fund and given to the ministry as intervention fund to focus on exploration activities which was the heart of mining.

The natural resource fund is meant primarily for the agriculture, mining and water resources sectors.

Bwari said that the N30 billion was meant to focus on exploration of minerals and other activities in the sector.

He said with the release of the fund, the ministry would be awarding N14 billion contract for exploration of strategic minerals.

According to Bwari, the ministry will be awarding another contract to cover minerals such as triphat, and Phosphate among others that were not on the list of minerals that are currently being explored.

According to him, the ministry will also look at the possibility of Nigeria using its huge phosphate mineral deposits for fertilizers to boost agricultural products.

The minister of state said that exploration would be conducted on the mineral to ascertain its quantum in the country.
https://www.miningng.com/mmsd-secures-50-of-n30bn-mining-intervention-fund/

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Exclusive interview with Mr Cyril Azobu, PwC Nigeria’s Mining Sector Leader and Head Consulting. The upcoming Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja in October is jointly organised by PwC and the Mining Association of Nigeria (MAN).

“With high expectations and willingness amongst key stakeholders to collaborate in driving growth, there is no better time to invest in unlocking the mining potential of Nigeria than now”

How excited are you about this year’s Nigeria Mining Week? What is new for 2018?
We are happy to once again partner with iPAD Nigeria and the Miners Association of Nigeria for another edition of the Nigeria Mining Week. We are happy that this has now become established as the premier event on the sector’s calendar annually, bringing together critical stakeholders to brainstorm and share ideas towards evolving a more profitable solid minerals sector in Nigeria.

This year’s gathering will feature a packed and very exciting programme. In addition to the well thought through topics that have been selected for the various conference sessions, we have a pre-conference session that is billed to be a B2B (business to business) networking opportunity where we will have a deep dive into the mining business in Nigeria with discussions around investment opportunities, licensing requirements, geo-technical mapping etc. We will also have CEO roundtable that will feature one-on-one interaction between the honorable minister for mines and steel development, and investors, project developers, operators and financers.

What have been the main challenges for the mining sector in the last year?
The challenges in the sector have not changed. Challenges exist around funding and the attraction of new investments, the security situation around mining sites, the preponderance of artisanal and illegal mining operations, the attendant environmental pollution and the general deficit in infrastructure in the country. All of these challenges remain but there is a measure of good news in that a number of actions have been taken to address some of them and we are beginning to see modest gains in that regard.

What have been the main accomplishments for the sector in your view in the last 12 months or so?
Largely, we have seen a continued implementation of the policies and mechanisms put in place by the sector’s policy makers with positive results gradually being seen. To the credit of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, there has been a commendable policy consistency following the resignation of the erstwhile minister Dr Kayode Fayemi. This is unprecedented because policy summersaults have largely been the bane of the sector in the past.

The Ministry has also made some progress in strengthening the mechanism for gathering, disseminating and archiving critical geological data required by investors and policy makers with the launch of the centralized eGIS Web portal and supporting ICT Infrastructure that offers real time information on mining sector as well as electronic submission of licenses, permits, certificates etc.

In the regulatory space, approval was given in January, for 10 policy & project related initiatives including establishment of the National Council on Mining & Mineral Resources Development. Also, we saw the introduction of a bill to create a new regulator for the sector: Nigerian Mining & Minerals Commission.

The current administration has also taken decisive measures to reactivate the State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) in all the States of the Federation including FCT. The committee is now vibrant in up to 26 states. We understand that the Ministry has gone on to provide the sum of Five (5) Million Naira each, as mobilisation grants as well as Hilux pick-up. In addition, operations of the Special Mines Surveillance Task force (SMSTF) has been improved with vehicles procured to ease their operations. The Miners Association of Nigeria has also benefited from this support.

Notably too, there has been improvement in the operational capacity of the Mining Cadaster office for faster processing of Mining titles and the establishment of over thirty Mineral Buying Centers and improved collaboration with the Customs service for policing of mineral exports.

What is your vision for this sector?
My vision for the sector is one that is profitable to all stakeholders and in which the Nigerian people are able to enjoy the maximum benefits possible for these natural endowment. I am quite optimistic that if we maintain the momentum and make the right choices, the solid minerals sector can contribute up to 3% of GDP by 2025 as predicted in the current roadmap, up from a current contribution of just about 0.5%. This is even more important given the rebound in crude oil and gas prices which could impact the mining renaissance.

It presents a challenge for the Nigerian mining eco-system to show impressive results and continually be seen as an important revenue source for government. The Nigerian mining industry also needs to be seen to be self-sustaining to ensure growth is not hinged on funding from another sector.

How important is the Nigeria Mining Week as a meeting place for the sector?
The Nigeria Mining Week opens the door to an exclusive networking opportunity for key stakeholders in the sector including policy makers, investors, mining operators, finance houses and multilateral investors as well as technology solution providers who are seeking a new market and new clients for mineral exploration and extraction. The deliberations center around the needs and opportunities of the sector with recommendations made that the policy makers are happy to take on and implement. It is thus a very important, perhaps the most important meeting place for stakeholders in the sector in Nigeria.

What will be PwC’s message at the event this year?
We believe that a lot of strides have been made to reposition the sector for more investment especially as government expects to earn more from solid minerals in line with her diversification agenda. With high expectations and willingness amongst key stakeholders to collaborate in driving this growth, there is no better time to invest in unlocking the mining potential of Nigeria than now. PwC, as leading advisors to the mining industry globally, is happy to support all stakeholders in unlocking this potential and the Nigeria mining week presents an excellent opportunity to meet and advance the necessary conversations.
https://www.miningng.com/nigerias-mining-sector-shows-promise-of-profitability/

Alhaji Abubakar Bwari, the Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, says the ministry has been able to access N15 billion from the N30 billion mining intervention fund.

Bwari made this known when speaking with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had in Nov. 2016 approved N30 billion intervention fund for mineral exploration.

The fund was drawn from the Natural Resource Development Fund and given to the ministry as intervention fund to focus on exploration activities which was the heart of mining.

The natural resource fund is meant primarily for the agriculture, mining and water resources sectors.

Bwari said that the N30 billion was meant to focus on exploration of minerals and other activities in the sector.

He said with the release of the fund, the ministry would be awarding N14 billion contract for exploration of strategic minerals.

According to Bwari, the ministry will be awarding another contract to cover minerals such as triphat, and Phosphate among others that were not on the list of minerals that are currently being explored.

According to him, the ministry will also look at the possibility of Nigeria using its huge phosphate mineral deposits for fertilizers to boost agricultural products.

The minister of state said that exploration would be conducted on the mineral to ascertain its quantum in the country.
https://www.miningng.com/mmsd-secures-50-of-n30bn-mining-intervention-fund/

To read more news about the Nigerian Mining Industry, visit
www.miningng.com

The application is still on. Visit
https://www.miningng.com/eta-zuma-is-recruiting/

ASX-listed exploration and mining company Symbol Mining has finalised agreements with specialist logistics group GMT Nigeria in preparation for the first shipment of high-grade zinc and lead product from the Macy project, located in the Benue Trough in Nigeria.

GMT Nigeria is a highly experience contractor established in 1999 that has become the largest logistics service provider in Sub Sahara Africa. The company offers integrated services to accommodate logistical challenges operating from Lagos, and has a fleet of over 750 trucks under management and control.

The logistics agreement between Symbol Mining and GMT Nigeria is an important contract for the Macy project, having a major impact on project economics.

The logistics contract is for a door-to-door logistics solution, and the agreement includes:

Appointment of GMT as shipping agent and logistics contractor
Rolling three-month fixed costs for shipping lines and inland logistics
Pit-to-port solution with integrated tracking of each container
Shipment schedule requiring up to 180 x 20 ft containers month
Haulage over 1 200 km with dedicated truck fleet
First shipment of ore is expected to take place in late Q3, 2018.
Operational update at Macy project

Pre-stripping activities are progressing on schedule with initial transitional ore being recovered and stockpiled. Primary and secondary crushing circuits are onsite with the wet/dry screen arriving next week for commissioning of the processing circuit.

The Imperial Joint Venture access bridge foundations have been completed, and Bailey bridge sections are expected to arrive onsite over the coming weeks, with construction still on track to be completed by September.

The bridge will give Symbol Mining year-round access to the Macy project and provides the local community with year-round access, and safe passage, to medical facilities.
https://www.miningng.com/symbol-mining-secures-logistics-agreement-for-macy-project/