Meanwhile, Fayemi has said that the analysis conducted by major stakeholders in the solid minerals sector, the Association of Metal Exporters of Nigeria, indicates that Nigeria  can generate at least N5 trillion annually from mining and exporting of its vast solid mineral deposits.

He stated this in his keynote address at the opening of the 5th International Mining Investment Conference/Exhibition on Nigeria, which started in Abuja yesterday, with the theme, ‘Connecting the Global Mining Industry to the Opportunities of the Solid Minerals Sector in Nigeria.’

“According to one of the major stakeholders in the solid minerals sector, the Association of Metal Exporters of Nigeria, we can generate at least N5 trillion annually from mining and exporting of its vast solid mineral deposits, with several multiplier effects on job creation, state development and social infrastructure that could position the solid minerals sector as the main catalyst for national development.”

Fayemi noted that should Nigeria successfully implement the proposed recommendations, growth is expected to return to the sector in the form of new exploration activity, operations and production from active mining, functional and expanded processing and refining capacity, and higher value-addition in exports.  Read more on this story.