Nigeria to deploy technology, innovation to maximise opportunities in mining sector ─Minister

*With the provision of data using satellites to guide miners, science, technology and innovation are of strategic importance in the exploitation of the solid mineral industry to grow wealth and create more job opportunities for Nigerians: Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister for Science and Technology

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In order to accelerate economic diversification efforts of Nigeria, the Federal Government is to deploy science and technology in the area of solid mineral exploitation in the country.

ConsumerConnect gathered Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Honourable Minister for Science and Technology, disclosed this when he received the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Tuesday in Abuja, FCT.

The Minister stated that the deployment of relevant technology to the solid mineral sector would help the country attain economic diversification in an inclusive and sustainable way.

Science, technology and innovation are of strategic importance in the exploitation of the solid mineral industry so as to grow wealth and create more jobs for Nigerians, he said.

A solid mineral mining site

Onu informed the House Committee members that the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology has the capacity to provide relevant data to help solid mineral exploration.

He noted: “The National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA) will help in the provision of data using satellites to guide miners to the areas where they can exploit mineral resources they need.”

According to him, Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be deployed by the Ministry’s space agency to help in mining safety and efficiency.

Through (AI), mines could be operated remotely, thereby minimising danger to the barest minimum at the mines, said he.

The Minister stressed that Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) will assist in the area of processing and value addition of solid minerals in order to enhance their profitability.

Sustainable and inclusive diversification of the solid mineral industry in Nigeria will ensure improved quality of life for Nigerians, added Onu.