Chris Infotainment

Ghana Advances Integrated Iron and Steel Industry with New Collaboration Ghana has taken a significant step forward in its ambition to develop an integrated iron and steel industry. This progress comes after the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) signed a cooperation agreement with the Ghana Geological Survey Authority. The partnership aims to enhance technical efforts in mineral exploration, marking a key milestone in the nation’s industrial development strategy. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) formalizes a long-standing collaboration between the two entities. It outlines joint initiatives including geological mapping, geophysical surveys, sampling, laboratory analysis, drilling supervision, and data interpretation. These activities are crucial for advancing the country’s first mineral resource estimation for iron ore. Strengthening Technical Roles and Institutional Coordination GIISDEC Chief Executive, Williams Okofo-Dateh, emphasized that the...

The Challenge of Foreign Dependency in Nigeria’s Mining Sector At present, most Nigerian mining companies, exploration firms, and even government agencies such as the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, rely on foreign laboratories for mineral characterization, assay, and compositional analysis. From lithium and gold to rare earth elements and iron ore, the majority of samples extracted in Nigeria are sent abroad for testing. This practice is not only expensive but also time-consuming. The logistics of shipping samples, paying for foreign expertise, and awaiting laboratory reports lead to significant delays in project execution. Worse still, critical geological data often remain in the custody of foreign institutions—compromising data sovereignty and national security. The inability to analyze mineral samples domestically has far-reaching economic consequences. For one, Nigeria loses substantial foreign exchange annually on testing...

Community Empowerment Through Mining Support Local artisanal miners in Shurugwi have received a significant boost following the donation of mining machinery by the Chinese mining giant Chengxi Chengetai Investments. This initiative aims to help them kick-start their operations and is part of the company’s broader efforts to empower communities and support local economic development. The donation was handed over by the Provincial Affairs minister for Midlands, Owen Ncube, last Monday. The equipment, valued at thousands of dollars, was given to a large group of artisanal miners. On the following day, Ncube will also oversee the official handover of a milling centre at Wanderer Mine, coinciding with the reopening of the Shurugwi District Hospital mortuary, which had been out of service for seven years. Rehabilitation of the Mortuary Chengxi Chengetai Investments, in partnership with Zuva Mond, Zimasco, Unki Mine, and Nichrut, funded the rehabilitation of the mortuary. This project is ...

The Plight of Underage Miners in Plateau State In the heart of Bassa Local Government Area, a 12-year-old boy named Umar Faruk shares his story with determination. "I come here to make money. I don't go to school or learn any skill," he says. "I have been mining for over a year. I use the money to buy food, clothes and shoes for myself. I also support my father with the money I make from tin mining." Umar is one of many underage miners in Plateau State, where children are abandoning education for the promise of financial gain. Despite the harsh realities of life in the mines, Umar remains hopeful. "I hope to go back to school in the future and one day become a medical doctor and help my parents and others, especially my community." His words reflect a deep desire for a better future, even as he continues to work under the scorching sun. Children gather at sandpits, digging and scooping sand to extract precious minerals. Their days begin as early as ...

Strengthening the Fight Against Illegal Mining The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals. This collaboration aims to enhance efforts in combating illegal mining across the country. The alliance was officially announced during a courtesy visit by the Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, to RMRDC headquarters in Abuja on Friday. Onoja emphasized that the partnership is designed to "combine scientific data with boots-on-the-ground security" to safeguard Nigeria’s mineral resources. He highlighted the importance of synergy between research institutions and security agencies in ensuring effective protection of the nation's natural wealth. "This visit is about creating a strong alliance," Onoja stated in a social media post shared on Saturday. "To be effective in securing our mineral wealth, the Mining Marshals ...