The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has rallied the international community’s support to drive value addition domestically in the mining sector.

The minister said this was critical for the development of the mining industry and Africa’s economy.

In a statement on Thursday, the minister noted that as the world strove to achieve net zero environmental impact in all mining operations, emphasis should shift to local value addition against the age-long practice of carting away raw mineral resources.

He noted that for Nigeria and most of Africa, the idea of a super region was quite significant to harness the mosaic, distinctive mineral resources within the super regions and consequently achieve a sustainable energy mix for the world.

The minister revealed that the country had begun prioritising the development of its critical minerals and rare earth metals.

According to Mr Alake, the idea of inclusivity in a super region entails collaborative efforts, not only in the area of investments but also in technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and, more importantly, for us in Africa, local value addition.

The minister added, “In Africa, we know we need a lot of infrastructural development. That is why the significance of the super region can not be overemphasised.

“The onus falls on us all to map out strategies of creating concrete alliances and integration of our economic interests.”

Mr Alake noted that Africa “holds a significant percentage of critical minerals, which are now in demand as the world transitions to green energy” and that the continent could no longer “be given the shorter end of the stick.”

(NAN)