Nigeria, Saudi Arabia to Collaborate on Iron Ore Processing

In a significant move towards revitalizing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, discussions are underway between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia to explore the extraction and beneficiation of iron ore into steel within Nigeria. This collaboration could mark a transformative chapter in Nigeria’s industrial development, leveraging its untapped mineral wealth.

The Partnership Unveiled

The Nigerian Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, held strategic talks with Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Minerals and Energy, during the annual Mines and Money expo in London. The discussions centered on Nigeria’s potential to transition from exporting raw iron ore to becoming a hub for value-added steel production.

This move comes against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s robust steel industry, which currently imports iron ore from various African nations. Nigeria’s proposition, however, emphasizes the local processing of iron ore to enhance export value, create jobs, and foster industrial growth.

What’s Next?

A follow-up meeting is scheduled to take place in Riyadh during the Future Metals Forum in January 2025, signaling both nations’ commitment to this partnership. While the spotlight is on iron ore, discussions also encompassed other critical areas of the solid minerals sector, including funding, technology transfer, and infrastructure development.

Positive Developments Across the Board

During the expo, Nigeria also engaged with global investors and fund managers, showcasing its potential as a mining investment destination. Key developments include:

1. Tin Mining Investment
   Representatives from Woodcross and the Gerald Group expressed interest in Nigeria’s tin reserves. Preliminary surveys in Jos revealed significant tin ore deposits, prompting Woodcross to consider long-term investments. The Nigerian government has established a ministerial committee to fast-track the project, ensuring timely implementation.
2. Funding Commitments
   The AMG Group and Business Idea Development, China, proposed financing solutions for Nigeria’s mining initiatives. With the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation set to launch, these partnerships are expected to catalyze exploration and production efforts.
3. African Extractive Minerals Bank Proposal
   Alake also discussed the establishment of a regional mining bank to fund exploration across Africa. As Chair of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, he promised to champion the initiative at the group’s next meeting.

Controversy Clarified

Amid these developments, the ministry addressed concerns over the reappointment of Fatima Shinkafi as Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund. Clarifying the legality of her tenure, the ministry reaffirmed that her reappointment aligns with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, which does not impose term limits for the role.

Conclusion

This collaboration between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia represents a bold step toward achieving industrial diversification and economic sustainability. By focusing on value addition and global partnerships, Nigeria is poised to harness its mineral resources for national growth.

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