By Esther Igomu

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, has formalised the activities of 250 small and artisanal miners into cooperatives as part of efforts to help artisanal miners transition away from illegal mining.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, revealed this at a briefing to announce the 9th edition of Nigeria Mining Week.

The minister explained that the initiative is part of efforts to shift the mining sector from raw extraction to value addition, processing, and local beneficiation.

Alake highlighted that Nigeria boasts a rich array of over 44 types of minerals, which remain underutilised, presenting a significant opportunity for economic transformation.