President Bola Tinubu has highlighted the importance of the solid minerals sector as a key pillar in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to diversify the economy.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, conveyed this information during discussions on the potential for deep-sea mining in Nigeria’s coastal waters at the Commonwealth Secretariat in the United Kingdom.
Alake outlined a seven-point agenda developed by the ministry, which includes the establishment of a solid minerals company, gathering big data on mineral reserves for safety, and promoting socio-economic development in mining communities through effective community development agreements.
The minister expressed the need for support from the Commonwealth to bolster the Tinubu administration’s initiatives in the solid minerals sector.
He also mentioned plans to study deep-sea mining dimensions in collaboration with other ministries and present a proposal for further consideration.
The Commonwealth’s Senior Director of Trade, Oceans, and Natural Resources Department, Mr. Paul Kautoke, commended the Nigerian delegation for visiting the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Kautoke suggested that Nigeria, being a coastal country, could explore deep-sea minerals like copper, cobalt, nickel, gold, and rare earth elements.
He highlighted the success of many Commonwealth countries in the Pacific region venturing into deep-sea mining and proposed Commonwealth assistance in developing a policy for Nigeria in this regard.
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