Leadership (Abuja): The Federal Government in Abuja presented a new Mineral map of Nigeria, known as Airborne Geophysical Survey Digital Data, which is said to be filled with new exciting mineral findings.
The new Mineral map has basic data and information on occurrence and spread of the entire Minerals that occur in Nigeria, using state-of-the-art technology to capture them.
Making the presentation, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Chief Sarafa Tunji Isola, said more than 826,000 line kilometres were flown during the first phase of the Airborne Geophysical Survey aimed at identifying structures, hosting strategic minerals like gold, tantalite, lead and zinc.
The minister said that with the quality digital data, new mineral finds have been made in Ogun state and named them as Phosphate and Polymetalic in Ifo and Ijebu-North Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
He added that with the Airborne Survey Digital Data, mining investors in Nigeria will now enjoy increased availability of credible geosciences data.
He said, “The new findings will fast-track the delineation of areas of solid mineral occurrences in Nigeria, facilitate regional geopolitical mapping of rock types and associated economic mineral and stimulate the exploration for radioactive mineral occurrences.”
In his remarks, Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Alh. Ahmed Mohammed Gusau said Nigeria has now reached a critical stage in its move to reposition mining as a veritable contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth.
He added that if the country continues in this pace, mining will give oil a run for its money in the next few years to come.
Earlier in his speech, the Director General, Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Dr. Siyan Malomo, said the survey covered 24 states of the federation, with the rest to be covered by the end of March next year.
He explained that the basis for the choice of the areas to be covered under this phase is due to the likelihood of occurrence of metallic mineralisation that could be of immediate interest to investors.
