The Sustainable Management of Mineral Resources Project (SMMRP) has engaged the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) to provide technical assistance for the geochemical mapping of two cells in Nigeria’s territory.  The British Geological Survey (BGS), which is one of NERC’s Research Centres, will implement this assignment jointly with the NGSA.   The bulk of the field geologists and geochemists for this mapping project would be sourced from the NGSA and Nigerian Universities to create indigenous capacity for geochemical mapping. At the termination of this contract, the NGSA will continue the geochemical mapping of Nigeria’s remaining 42 cells. 

This consultancy service by the British Geological Survey is for a period of 2 years and will involve Training, Practical Field Work, Technical Advice, and Supervision.  Primary beneficiaries of this project include Mining Investors, the NGSA, Nigerian Universities, Research Centres, Exploration Firms, and the Technical Staff of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.   

The deliverables from this assignment include: (a) Geochemical Maps of the Distribution of 47 Elements, (b) Training of at least 60 Geoscientists, (c) Development of Geochemical Mapping Manual, (d) Preparation of Work Program and Cost Estimates for Geochemical Mapping of other cells not covered by this contract.  The contractor will also conduct an audit of laboratories in Nigeria and recommend improvement and upgrade where necessary.

The production of baseline data on the distribution of 47 metallic elements on the terrestrial landmass of Nigerian territory will be useful in the exploration for mineral resources through the location of regional anomalies of metallic elements currently enjoying boom in the commodity markets.

The geochemical information will also be used for baseline environmental studies, particularly at a period when substantial portion of the land and waters are still in near pristine state.  This project will also produce broad data on the soil for agricultural land such as potash, phosphorus and other elements, defining the inorganic aspect of soil nutrients as well as providing information on soil pH characteristics and pattern of distribution in Nigeria.

The SMMRP is being implemented by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development with the proceeds of the $120 million credit obtained from the World Bank/IDA by the Federal Government of Nigeria. 

The Development Objectives of the Project are to: (a) increase the government’s long-term institutional and technical capacity to manage Nigeria’s mineral resources in a sustainable way; and (b) establish a basis for poverty reduction and rural economic renewal in selected areas of the country through the development of non-farm income generating opportunities through small-scale and artisanal mining, and to diversify away from oil sources of income.