To support the mining industry, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) Headquarters in Abuja has received the first Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) Laboratory from the Federal Government.
During the facility’s commissioning on Tuesday in Abuja, Solid Minerals Development Minister Dr. Dele Alake emphasized that the laboratory is a significant step in the government’s endeavors to supply reliable geoscience data, draw in investors, and boost exploration efforts in the nation.
The plan for the mining industry has highlighted important gaps that need to be closed in order to attain the intended growth. In order to help investors build projects and assist small-scale miners in becoming large-scale businesses, one of them is the requirement for trustworthy geoscience data, according to Dr. Alake, who was speaking through Permanent Secretary Dr. Mary Ogbe.
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Modern analytical equipment that can detect and measure trace elements at incredibly low quantities is the ICP-MS Laboratory, the first of its type in Nigeria. Among other important services, it will offer forensic investigations, clinical research, environmental monitoring, mineral exploration, and production.
The facility’s commissioning, the minister emphasized, is in line with the Federal Government’s economic diversification plan since it would help curb capital flight by giving local residents access to top-notch mineral research.
In addition to boosting investor confidence, this facility will provide value along Nigeria’s mineral value chain. It will benefit material science, defense, environmental research, and food analysis stakeholders,” he continued.
In addition to the establishment of an electronic Mineral Resources Decision Support System (NMRDSS), which allows for real-time study of mineral deposits and related infrastructure, the facility would support other government projects, the Minister explained.
According to information received, the new laboratory will eliminate the need to transport mineral samples overseas for testing, saving Nigeria billions of naira per year. Additionally, it will stimulate investment in the industry, which will lead to the creation of jobs.
Our goal is to provide artisanal miners with modern mining equipment and formalize their organization into cooperatives. This will create more jobs and increase national revenue while ensuring ethical mining operations,” he said.
He urged all interested parties, including government organizations, mining companies, and researchers, to bring samples in for analysis in order to fully utilize the ICP-MS lab. In order to obtain ISO accreditation, which will further increase the lab’s reputation, plans are already in place to compare its findings with worldwide standards.
During his remarks, Professor Olusegun O. Ige, the Director-General of NGSA, emphasized the laboratory’s role in promoting geoscience research and assisting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The opening of this facility marks a major advancement in our endeavors to produce top-notch geoscience data that will stimulate investment and economic expansion. By ensuring that Nigeria has a top-notch mineral analysis facility, it would lessen its reliance on foreign labs,” he said.
“The Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS acquired for NGSA is an invaluable tool for mineral analysis, resource assessment, and environmental protection because it can detect elements in concentrations as low as parts per billion (ppb),” Professor Ige said.
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With this facility, Nigeria is establishing itself as a mining industry leader in Africa. To make sure our data satisfies international standards, we are also aiming to get all NGSA laboratories ISO certified,” he continued.
Another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to promote sustainable mining practices, increase investor confidence, and enhance institutional capacity has been reached with the commissioning of the ICP-MS Laboratory.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was praised by event participants for its increased emphasis on economic diversification through the development of solid minerals.
Now that the new lab is up and running, Nigeria is in a better position to industrialize, draw in foreign investors, and make the most of its enormous mineral riches.
