The Minerals and Miners Centre (MMC), London United Kingdom (UK), has indicated it’s interest in partnering with Nigerians in Diaspora to participate in the Solid Minerals Sector activities and businesses in the country.
The Centre while highlighting its interest on mineral beneficiation, gemstones trading, added that its to meet and strike deals that would benefit members of the centre and any interested Nigerians in the diaspora.
The Managing Director, Richflood/ Representative of MMC in Nigeria, Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji noted that the Centre would go into multiple partnerships and is also seeking interested partners to fill in the gaps as credible mining engineers, machinery engineers, environmentalists, geologists and geo scientists.
“It is a centre for everyone operating in the mining sector,” she said.
Asokoro-Ogaji explained that MMC in partnership with Nigerian organised players in the private sector, plans to establish its presence in the sector, and contribute its part to facilitate agreements for Chinese manufacturers to supply beneficiation machinery under friendly business conditions that will benefit Nigerian Miners.
The event scheduled to take place at DoubleTree by Hilton, 60 Pentonville Road, London she hinted is also happening the same period with the annual “Mines and Money Event” regarded as Europe’s largest mineral exposition event in London.
Asokoro-Ogaji expressed confidence in the ability of the private sector to take full charge of the industry, and bring about the desired changes as envisaged and documented by different government administrations.
According to her, We plan to dialogue on this in London by November and sign MOUs with Nigerian firms. We will be coordinating arrangements with the Chinese manufacturers of beneficiation machines.
Discussing her role, Asokoro-Ogaji said: “My role at MMC as an environmentalists 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 has led to the shutting down of mines across the country by State Governments as a result of environmental degradation,” she said, adding: “This is where I come in as an environmentalist”.
“I will be giving my 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 programs and so on.”