More Than 40 Explorable Mineral Resources Yet Untapped In Nigeria – Dele Alake

ABUJA – Nigeria’s Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake has disclosed that more than 40 identified mineral resources are yet to be fully tapped into maximally.

Alake said these mineral resources are explorable in commercial quantities, not just for local utilization only.

The Minister spoke at the weekend in Australia at the Australia-Africa Diaspora Investment Forum and Africa Down Under (ADU) mining conference organized by African Professionals Australia (APA) held at the Pan Pacific Perth, Australia.

He noted that, to fully maximize these mineral resources, the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has established Nigeria Solid Mineral Company to replicate the successes that have been recorded in similar joint ventures in oil and gas sectors.

According to him, the Nigerian government has enacted many policies that make Nigeria Foreign Direct Investment easy, stressing that President Tinubu is ready to provide the necessary support to any foreign investment in mining with up-to-date date, human and other areas of need.

Alake, who was represented by the MD/CEO of Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, Mr. Martins Imonite, said, “It is against this background that the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR established Nigeria Solid Mineral Company to replicate the successes that have been recorded in similar joint ventures in our Oil and Gas sectors.

“Nigeria, as we all know, is the economic hub of West Africa has the young population needed to drive the emerging Mining Economy. In the last two years, Nigerian government has enacted many policies that makes Nigeria Foreign Direct Investment easy and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu led government is ready to provide necessary support to any foreign investment in mining with up-to-date data, human and other areas of need.”

Meanwhile, the African Professionals of Australia (APA) has named Nigeria’s Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake as the African Champion of the Year.

The event, which brought together prominent leaders and professionals from across Africa and Diaspora, has to discuss the progress and future development and investment in critical sectors of Africa economies.

Presenting the Certificate of Recognition and the African Professionals Champion of the Year Award, the President of APA Western Australia, Dr. Toyosi Craig noted that the 2025 African Professionals Champion of the Year Awardee, Dr. Henry Dele Alake has consistently been playing a significant role in fostering technology and skill transfer between Australia and Africa.

The event was graced by special guests Ambassador Dr Jane Adams, the Nigerian Ambassador to Australia, and the Ethiopian, Ambassador to Australia, Mr. Anwar Muktar among other dignitaries.

Notable Nigerian delegates at the event included Prof. Omoniyi Ige, Director General of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA); Prof. S.B. Hassan, DG & CEO of the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences (NIMG); and Prof. Ayeni, Special Adviser to the Minister on Marketing.

APA offers Professional Development Programs, leadership training, mentorship, and Workplace Experience Programs to hundreds of members each year. By employing creativity, teamwork, and the diversity of its membership, APA continues to empower professionals to reach their full potential in Australia.

APA recognizes the efforts of its executives, Tomide Ajala, Adewunmi Adebayo, and Bamise Ogunlowo, in making the events a success.