Conserve lithium other strategic minerals, geophysicists urge FG

Exploration geophysicists in Nigeria have issued a stark warning: the nation risks becoming reliant on mineral imports in the future if it fails to conserve its strategic mineral deposits. This concern arises as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to attract investment and promote value addition within the mining sector.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, stated that the government is strengthening geoscientific data, exploration, and professional capacity to make mining a cornerstone of Nigeria's economic diversification. However, the Nigerian Association of Exploration Geophysicists countered that the drive for increased mining and value addition must be accompanied by a national conservation policy. They argue this is crucial to safeguard high-grade and strategic mineral deposits for future generations and Nigeria's long-term industrial growth.

The discussions took place at the 4th Annual International Conference and Training Workshop of the association in Abuja. Minister Alake, represented by Hadiza Godi of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, emphasized geophysics as a vital tool for uncovering Nigeria's mineral wealth and supporting sustainable development. "Geophysics is not just an academic pursuit; it is the master key that unlocks our underground wealth, protects our ecosystem, and secures the foundation of our national infrastructure," Godi stated.

Alake highlighted the government's commitment to generating reliable geological and geophysical information as a key part of its mining reform agenda. He noted that accurate data is essential for reducing investment uncertainty. The ministry, through the NGSA, has expanded geological mapping and conducted high-resolution airborne geophysical surveys. These efforts have identified deposits of critical minerals for the global energy transition, including lithium, graphite, copper, and manganese, alongside traditional resources like iron, lead, zinc, and aluminum.

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Geophysics is not just an academic pursuit; it is the master key that unlocks our underground wealth, protects our ecosystem, and secures the foundation of our national infrastructure.