NIGERIA SECURES THREE US PARTNERSHIPS FOR MINING SECTOR

Nigeria has secured three partnerships with United States companies aimed at attracting investment, technology and jobs into the country’s mining and critical minerals sector.

The partnerships involve Nigerian mining company Promethean Resources and US-based Vermeer Corporation, Renewvia Energy Corporation and Terra Industries.

The arrangements will focus on modern mining equipment, renewable energy and technology-driven security for mining and mineral processing operations.

Under the proposed partnership with Vermeer, precision mining equipment and technology will be deployed across Promethean’s mineral portfolio, including iron ore, tin, lithium and gold. The collaboration is also expected to support workforce development and more efficient mineral processing.

Promethean and Renewvia Energy will explore renewable power solutions for mining operations and nearby communities. The initiative will initially assess selected mining locations for solar power, battery storage and mini-grid systems.

A third partnership with Terra Industries will examine the use of technology-enabled security systems at mining sites. Proposed solutions include surveillance towers, unmanned aerial systems and monitoring technology, with initial deployment considered for mining operations in Plateau and Kaduna states.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, said the partnerships were intended to turn investment discussions into commercial projects that support local value addition and economic development.

The developments come shortly after Nigeria and the United States signed a broader framework to deepen American investment in Nigeria’s estimated $700bn mineral resources.