An expert in mineral exploration has advocated for the use of advanced space-based technology to map Nigeria’s vast and largely untapped mineral resources, valued at over $700 billion. The proposal emphasizes the need for Nigeria to embrace satellite remote sensing and geospatial data tools to efficiently identify, quantify, and manage its solid mineral wealth across the country.
This call comes amid increasing recognition of the strategic importance of solid minerals in diversifying Nigeria’s economy beyond crude oil. Nigeria is endowed with over 40 commercially viable solid minerals including gold, lithium, limestone, coal, iron ore, and tantalite, spread across all 36 states. Despite this potential, the sector remains underdeveloped due to outdated exploration techniques, lack of data, insecurity, and poor investment in technology.
The expert, speaking at a recent stakeholders’ forum, noted that leveraging space-based technologies—such as satellite imaging, LiDAR, hyperspectral imaging, and geographic information systems (GIS)—can revolutionize how Nigeria explores and manages its mineral deposits. These tools allow for high-resolution mapping of surface and subsurface features, enabling quicker, cost-effective, and more accurate mineral surveys compared to traditional field-based methods.
Space-based mineral mapping can also help mitigate environmental risks and reduce conflicts with local communities by clearly delineating mining zones and tracking illegal mining activities. This is particularly important in regions plagued by artisanal mining and resource-related insecurity.
Furthermore, the expert recommended that the Nigerian government invest in partnerships with space research institutions and private tech firms, both local and international, to develop capacity in geospatial sciences. Building a central mineral database using remote sensing data was also proposed as a way to attract global investors, who often require detailed geoscientific data before committing funds.
The expert also stressed the importance of aligning this technological push with regulatory reforms, community engagement, and environmental sustainability practices to ensure long-term success. Without a strong legal and institutional framework, he warned, technological innovation alone would not be sufficient to unlock the sector’s full potential.
The expert emphasized that with a strategic blend of cutting-edge space technology and policy reforms, Nigeria could transition from a mineral-rich but data-poor nation into a global hub for sustainable mineral development. This transformation would create jobs, boost export revenues, and support infrastructure development, positioning the solid minerals sector as a major pillar of Nigeria’s economic growth.
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