Concerned about the state of mining in Nigeria, Ziva Community Initiative, based in Keffi, Nasarawa State, has underscored the need for collaboration among stakeholders to advance sustainable mining practices.
The group highlighted the potential of digital technologies to transform the mining sector at a town hall meeting held in Nasarawa State, where the key focus was the role of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASMs) in the context of energy transition and climate change mitigation.
A lecturer at Nasarawa State University, Dr. Sunday Kpalo, in his keynote address, stressed the importance of stakeholder collaboration to promote sustainable mining practices. He also emphasised the transformative role digital technologies could play in the sector.
Dr. Kpalo highlighted Nasarawa State’s vast resources in energy transition minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite which are crucial for renewable energy technologies. He emphasised that responsible mining could drive economic benefits such as revenue generation, job creation and infrastructure development, while also reducing environmental and social risks.
To achieve these objectives, Dr. Kpalo proposed a holistic approach, including the development of regulatory frameworks, conducting environmental impact assessments, enhancing technical capacity, and promoting community engagement.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Miners Association of Nasarawa State, and local government officials.
The discussion emphasized the importance of formalizing the mining sector and ensuring community involvement.
Ahmed Mohammed, representing the traditional leader from Nasarawa local government area, noted that the government would only recognise and support artisanal and small-scale miners who secure the necessary mining licenses and obtain consent from landowners.
The meeting also recommended key strategies for promoting sustainable mining, such as incorporating ASMs into the legal framework to encourage registration and responsible mining practices. Additionally, establishing Mineral Processing Hubs was suggested to add value to minerals and reduce dependence on raw mineral exports.
They identified, fostering collaboration among miners, government agencies, and other stakeholders as essential tool for transforming the sector and supporting Nigeria’s economic growth.
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