Unlocking Niger State’s Mining Potential: Challenges and Opportunities

Niger State is rich in solid minerals, presenting immense opportunities for economic growth. According to Dr. Umar Albarka Hassan, Director-General and CEO of the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency, the state has the potential to become a major mining hub in Nigeria—if key challenges within the sector are effectively addressed.
Speaking at the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) Minna Chapter Public Lecture and Awards, Dr. Hassan delivered a lecture titled “Mineral Resources of Niger State: Developments and Challenges”. He highlighted that the state is home to a diverse range of metallic and industrial minerals, as well as valuable gemstones.
A Geological Treasure Trove
Niger State’s geology is composed of two major lithological formations in Nigeria: the basement complex, which consists of the migmatite-gneiss complex, schist belt, and older granite, and the sedimentary basin, containing deposits from the Cretaceous to Tertiary periods. These formations support the presence of abundant mineral resources across the state.
Dr. Hassan pointed out that nearly all local government areas in Niger State have significant mineral deposits. These include:
Metallic minerals: Lead-zinc ore, tantalite, manganese, iron ore, and wolframite
Precious metals: Gold (found in 22 out of 25 LGAs), platinum (notably in Beni-Kazal)
Industrial minerals: Clay, kyanite, feldspar, silica sand, kaolin, quartz, marble, mica, talc, graphite
Gemstones: Tourmaline, beryl
Fossil fuels: Oil and gas deposits in the Bida sedimentary basin
Despite these vast resources, Niger State and Nigeria as a whole have yet to fully harness the wealth of their solid mineral sector.
Mining Activity and Untapped Potential
According to data from the Mining Cadastre Office, 453 mineral titles have been issued to operators in Niger State, with 369 focused on gold mining alone—evidence of the widespread availability of the metal. The state has been mapped extensively since the mid-20th century, including the recent National Integrated Mineral Exploration Project (NIMEP) efforts on gold and iron ore.
However, Dr. Hassan emphasized that the challenge in Niger State and across Nigeria is not the absence of minerals but the lack of:
Capacity among local mining operators
Security for mining activities
A well-defined legal and regulatory framework
Comprehensive geological data
Adequate funding for mining projects
Government participation through equity holdings in mining and metallurgical operations
A Call for Strategic Investment
With a mining sector valued at $44.5 million annually, according to the World Bank-assisted MinDiver program, and Nigeria’s focus on economic diversification, Niger State presents a lucrative opportunity for investors. Dr. Hassan urged the government to:
Heavily invest in mineral exploration to confirm deposit volumes
Acquire equity stakes in mining projects
Fast-track legislation for the enactment of a metallurgical act to regulate the industry effectively
Conclusion
As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy beyond oil, the mining sector in Niger State could play a pivotal role in wealth creation and job opportunities. With strategic investment, improved regulations, and better infrastructure, Niger State can emerge as a leading player in Nigeria’s mining industry.
The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), a key professional body for mining engineers, geologists, and petrochemical specialists, continues to advocate for advancements in the industry to unlock the nation’s mineral potential. est, sed doloris privatio. Sed tempus est, si videtur, et recta quidem ad me. An eiusdem modi?