Nigeria’s Mining Sector Gets a Boost as FG Commissions First ICP-MS Lab

To support the mining industry, the Federal Government has put the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) Headquarters in Abuja into service with the first Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) Laboratory.

Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, emphasized during the facility’s commissioning on Tuesday in Abuja that the laboratory is a significant step in the government’s endeavors to supply reliable geoscience data, draw in investors, and advance exploration in the nation.

“To attain the intended growth, the mining industry plan has identified crucial gaps that need to be remedied. On behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, Dr. Alake stated, “One of these is the need for trustworthy geoscience data to enable investors to develop projects and support small-scale miners in growing into large-scale entrepreneurs.”

The ICP-MS Laboratory is a cutting-edge analytical laboratory that can detect and measure trace elements at incredibly low concentrations. It is the first of its type in Nigeria. Among other things, it will offer vital services in forensic investigations, clinical research, environmental monitoring, mineral exploration, and production.

The minister emphasized that by giving local residents access to top-notch mineral research, the facility’s commissioning will support the Federal Government’s economic diversification program and lessen capital flight.

Along Nigeria’s mining value chain, this facility would not only boost investor confidence but also add value. It will benefit those involved in environmental studies, food analysis, defense, and material science,” he continued.

According to the Minister, the facility would support other government programs, like the creation of an electronic Mineral Resources Decision Support System (NMRDSS), which allows for real-time study of nearby infrastructure and mineral reserves.

It was learned that by removing the need to transport mineral samples overseas for analysis, the new lab is anticipated to save Nigeria billions of naira per year. Additionally, it will generate job possibilities by promoting investment in the industry.

“We are dedicated to providing artisanal miners with modern mining techniques and formally incorporating them into cooperatives. In addition to creating more jobs and increasing national revenue, this will guarantee ethical mining methods,” he said.

In order to fully utilize the ICP-MS laboratory, he urged all parties involved—researchers, mining companies, and governmental organizations—to bring in samples for examination. The lab’s reputation will be further increased by plans to obtain ISO accreditation by comparing its results with worldwide standards.

Professor Olusegun O. Ige, the Director-General of NGSA, spoke at the ceremony and emphasized the laboratory’s role in promoting geoscience research and assisting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This facility’s commissioning marks a major advancement in our efforts to provide high-quality geoscience data that will spur investment and economic expansion. It will lessen Nigeria’s reliance on foreign labs by guaranteeing the country has a top-notch mineral analysis facility,” he said.

According to Professor Ige, the Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS that NGSA purchased is a vital instrument for mineral analysis, resource evaluation, and environmental preservation since it can identify elements in concentrations as low as parts per billion (ppb).

Nigeria is establishing itself as a pioneer in Africa’s mining industry with this facility. In order to guarantee that our data satisfies international standards, we are also aiming to have all NGSA laboratories certified by ISO,” he continued.

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Another significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to improve institutional capacity, increase investor trust, and support sustainable mining practices has been taken with the commissioning of the ICP-MS Laboratory.

The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was praised by the event’s stakeholders for its increased emphasis on economic diversification through the development of solid minerals.

Nigeria is in a better position to make the most of its enormous natural resources, promote industrialization, and draw in foreign investors to the mining industry now that the new laboratory is up and running.