- NSRMEA Director General emphasizes Ajaokuta Steel Company’s need for 2 million tons of iron ore annually to sustain operations
- Government intervention urged, with focus on completing Obi Coal project to reduce reliance on imported cooking coal; strategic plans outlined
Kolawole Ogunbiyi, the Director General of the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA), has emphasized that the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited is in need of an annual supply of two million tons of iron ore to sustain its operations.
During a recent visit by the Minister of State for Steel Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu, Ogunbiyi underscored the necessity for heightened investment in iron ore mining. This, he explained, is crucial for ensuring a consistent and ample supply of raw materials to steel industries across the nation.
Drawing attention to the importance of government intervention, Ogunbiyi advocated for a dedicated fund to complete the Obi Coal project. He highlighted the project’s potential to diminish the reliance on imported cooking coal once successfully executed.
In outlining strategic plans for a sustainable supply of steel raw materials, Ogunbiyi outlined the acquisition of crawler-mounted diamond core drilling rigs, heavy-duty field vehicles (bulldozers), and field laboratory equipment as instrumental steps in boosting the availability of iron ore in the country.
Responding to these concerns, the minister committed to substantial investment in research and development. He also pledged to foster partnerships and create an ecosystem conducive to the sustainable development of the nation’s mineral resources.
Dr. Mary Ogbe, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, echoed the government’s commitment, assuring that the railway system’s functionality hinges on the success of the steel industries. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of these sectors, she reiterated the government’s political will to ensure the effective operation of the railway system in tandem with the steel industry.