FG engages French consultants on boosting ASMs operations

In a bid to boost artisanal mining in Nigeria, the federal government has entered into an agreement with a French company, SOFRECO, to develop a programme for the formalisation of artisanal miners into Cooperatives and Small-Scale Mining outfits.

 The company is expected to provide the technical assistance that will ensure small miners grow into larger mining companies and thriving financial enterprises.

The agreement will also enable the design and implementation of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Remote Sensing Monitoring System in the sector.

The project expected to commence in September this year will among others review and evaluate the ASM department records of over 600 formalised ASM cooperatives across Nigeria.

It will also conduct a comprehensive mapping of ASM sites and trading centres through the establishment of remote sensing monitoring system. This will involve the development and installation of a remote sensing system for processing satellite imagery and GIS information on ASM sites, as a supplementary tool for monitoring and inspection purposes.

Project Coordinator, Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification Project (MinDiver) Mr Linus Adie said the plan is to better organise ASMs for economic development,

He added that the federal government had obtained a credit from the International Development Association (IDA) to fund the MinDiver project in a bid to improve the sector and make it attractive for long-term private sector investment.

He stated that this will create a globally competitive sector capable of contributing to wealth creation, provide jobs and advance social and human security.

Adie further said the primary objective of the agreement is to enhance economic opportunities of artisans through formalisation, leading to their inclusion into the formal economy. “It will also positively influence the review, revitalisation and the streamlining of informal mining in the regulatory and legal system.”

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