FG, South Korea re-open talks on solid minerals MOU

By Palma Ileye

Talks on revising a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between Nigeria and South Korea on investments in Solid Minerals sector has topped discussions between Nigerian public and private sector officials and the South Korean Government.

This was disclosed in a press release issued yesterday by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director, Information, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

According to the statement, the Nigerian team comprised officials of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and Oando Mining Company, while the Korean Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, KIGAM, and Korean Mines Rehabilitation and Mineral Resources Corporation, KOMIR, represented South Korea.

It stated that the talks held under the auspices of the Seventh Korea-Africa Economic Co-operation conference in Busan, South Korea, resolved to review a 2006 Memorandum of Understanding to include training of Nigerian mining professionals in Geochemistry, Geophysics, Ore Modelling, Mineral Processing, research, and exploration of critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite.

The statement disclosed that Dr. Abdulrazaq Garba, the Director-General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, NGSA, represented the Solid Minerals Minister, Dr.Oladele Alake, at the talks.

Stating that KIGAM President, Dr. Pyeong Koo-lee, offered to collaborate with Nigeria to explore the large deposits of lithium-bearing pegmatites.

He said KIGAM has the best technology in lithium ore processing, adding that the beneficiation process can reduce the carbon to improve the grade of the ore.

Vice President of the State-owned KOMIR, Dr. Alex Kwon, expressed interest in overseas mining investment, adding that KOMIR provides technical and financial assistance and investment in the exploration and mining of solid minerals.

Also, noting that KOMIR partners private sector to invest in the global mining industry.