‘It’ll handle samples testing locally’ — Dele Alake inaugurates lab for mining sector in Niger

Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, has inaugurated an ultra-modern mineral analysis laboratory of the African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML).

The inauguration took place in Sabon-Wuse, Niger state, according to a statement on Thursday by Segun Tomori, special assistant on media to the minister.

Alake was said to have described the ANRML as a valuable partner in the federal government’s efforts to promote local value addition in the mining sector.

The minister said the lab, which is “the first of its kind in Nigeria”, aligns with the key objectives of repositioning the mining sector in line with his seveng-point agenda, stressing its role in reducing reliance on foreign laboratories for mineral testing.

“You are not only aligning with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda but also contributing to our ministry’s 7-point agenda, with local value addition being a critical component,” Alake was quoted as saying.

“This internationally certified lab will significantly benefit the sector, as it will handle mineral samples that were previously sent abroad for testing, positioning Nigeria as a key player in global mineral analysis.”

Commending ANRML’s initiative, Alake was said to have urged the company, which also operates an iron ore mining and processing facility, to maintain its investment drive.

Tomori said the minister pledged the government’s support for ventures that will create employment opportunities for the nation’s growing youth population.

In his remarks, Alok Gupta, the group managing director (GMD) of ANRML, thanked the minister for inaugurating the laboratory and reiterated the company’s dedication to collaborating with the ministry to transform Nigeria’s mining industry.

“The world-class laboratory commissioned today will be used to analyse solid mineral samples. Recognising the need for such a facility in Nigeria, we decided to establish this laboratory using the latest technology,” Gupta was quoted as saying.

“I am proud to announce that we are the only company in Nigeria certified with the prestigious ISO 7025 from the Canadian Association of Laboratory Abbreviations and other internationally recognized accreditation bodies for testing laboratories.”

The statement added that the ANRML laboratory, equipped with cutting-edge WDXRF machines, offers a comprehensive range of geochemical services tailored for the exploration and mining industries.