Nigeria Unveils Cutting-Edge Mineral Testing Lab to Boost Mining Sector
Nigeria has inaugurated its first ultra-modern mineral analysis laboratory, a move aimed at transforming the nation’s mining sector and ending its dependency on overseas facilities for mineral testing. The laboratory, established in partnership with African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML), was unveiled in Sabon-Wuse, Niger State, by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake.
Speaking at the commissioning, Alake hailed the initiative as a milestone in his ministry’s seven-point agenda to revitalise the mining industry. The state-of-the-art facility, equipped with advanced WDXRF machines, is expected to position Nigeria as a hub for global mineral analysis, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Ending Reliance on Foreign Testing
Dr Alake underscored the significance of the laboratory in achieving local value addition, a key objective of his reform agenda. For years, Nigeria’s mining industry has relied on foreign laboratories for mineral sample testing, a practice that has stifled local capacity building and increased operational costs for mining firms.
“This internationally certified lab will significantly benefit the sector by handling mineral samples that were previously sent abroad, positioning Nigeria as a key player in global mineral analysis,” Alake said. He commended ANRML for its investment in the facility and called on the private sector to emulate such efforts to generate employment and stimulate economic growth.
A Game-Changer for the Sector
The lab, certified by the Canadian Association of Laboratory Abbreviations and other internationally recognised accreditation bodies, is equipped to provide a comprehensive range of geochemical services tailored for exploration and mining. ANRML’s Group Managing Director, Alok Gupta, described the facility as a game-changer for the country’s mining landscape.
“Recognising the need for such a facility in Nigeria, we decided to establish this laboratory using the latest technology. I am proud to announce that we are the only company in Nigeria certified with the prestigious ISO 7025,” Gupta stated.
ANRML, which also operates an iron ore mining and processing plant, reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the government to advance the sector. Gupta expressed gratitude to the minister for his support and emphasised the lab’s potential to revolutionise solid mineral analysis in the country.
A Boost for Local Capacity
The laboratory is expected to serve as a catalyst for Nigeria’s mining ambitions, reducing operational bottlenecks and encouraging investments in the solid minerals sector. Analysts believe that the facility will not only enhance the quality of local mineral analysis but also attract foreign investors seeking efficient and certified testing capabilities.
As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy away from oil dependence, the establishment of this laboratory underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging the country’s vast mineral resources. It is hoped that this milestone will pave the way for greater self-reliance, innovation, and industrialisation within the mining industry.
