Conversations are underway between the Minerals and Miners Centre (MMC), London, United Kingdom, and Nigerians in the diaspora who are interested in participating in the business activities of the Nigerian solid minerals sector.

Indeed, international interest groups on mineral beneficiation, gemstones trading and other aspects of mining are equally set to meet and strike deals that will benefit members of the Centre and Nigerian businesses in the diaspora.

Managing Director, Richflood International, Dr Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji, who is also the Representative of MMC in Nigeria disclosed this in Abuja recently.

She said the MMC event, which is scheduled to take place at DoubleTree by Hilton, 60 Pentonville Road, London, would be convened at the same period as the annual ‘Mines and Money Event’, regarded as Europe’s largest mineral exposition conference.

While saying the Centre is focused on promoting fruitful engagements and seeks to ensure that Nigerians living abroad profit from the solid mineral endowments of their country, she added that the MMC will go into multiple partnerships, and is also seeking interested partners to fill in gaps as credible mining engineers, machinery engineers, environmentalists, geologists and geoscientists, adding, “it is a centre for everyone operating in the mining sector.”

Asokoro-Ogaji, who is leading the advocacy for responsible mining practices in Nigeria, explained: “In partnership with Nigerian organized private sector businesses, the MMC plans to establish its presence in Nigeria, and contribute to facilitating agreements for Chinese manufacturers to supply beneficiation machinery under friendly business conditions that will immensely benefit Nigerian Miners.”

She disclosed that the Centre has also concluded an agreement with Richflood International, a foremost expert environmental consulting firm in Nigeria, as a key partner set to contribute more to environmental and social sustainability in the sector.

Dr Asokoro expressed confidence in the ability of the organized private sector in Nigeria to take full charge of the sector and bring about the desired changes as envisaged and documented by different government administrations.

The Managing Director stated: “We plan to dialogue on this in London by November and sign MOUs with Nigerian firms,” adding that the MMC will coordinate arrangements with the Chinese manufacturers of beneficiation machines.”

Providing more insights into her role, she added: “My role at MMC as an environmentalist is to promote environmentally safe and responsible mining practices and ensure that international and Nigerian members of MMC operating in Nigeria follow the standards and regulations regarding environmental and social sustainability. You can see how perceived irresponsible mining practices in Nigeria have led to the shutting down of mining sites across the country by state governments because of environmental degradation. I will deploy my expertise in environmental management in collaboration with stakeholders to address the challenge.”

She hinted that she will offer her professional assistance to ensure that members of MMC are guided on what needs to be done and how it relates to environmental impact assessments, environmental monitoring, mine site remediation and reclamation programmes.

Responding to inquiries on what women miners will benefit from the Initiative, Dr. Asokro-Ogaji, who is the Coordinator, the FCT Chapter of Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMIN), said: “The MMC is very gender sensitive. As I speak, we are having conversations around the aspect of the Centre’s activities that will engage women and ensure economic benefits for them.

“To give you a clue, the Minerals and Miners Centre will start with some women who will be supported to establish cooperatives for Mineral Buying Centres. We are already succeeding and inviting NGOs and other women’s groups to take advantage of this. We are also setting up small-scale equipment for beneficiation that will be managed by women who will add value to industrial minerals via froth floatation techniques.”

She revealed that the initiative is being handled by women engineers who may be supported by male engineers, adding that the MMC believes in gender inclusiveness.

She stated: “Intentionally, we have put in place a department to promote gender inclusiveness,” adding that the initiative, which is gradually being established in Nigeria, will serve as a platform where competent women in the sector will train women members of the MMC for the full potential realisation of their capabilities. As you know, women are good administrators and good managers. We have experienced managers in the sector, including myself, therefore, we will start from the known.”