The Federal Government has called for stakeholder collaboration to reclaim abandoned mining sites in Plateau State, emphasizing the role of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology in the effort.
The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, made the appeal on Monday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director of ImPPPact Nigeria Alliance, Mr. Olushola Ajayi. The visit focused on the initiation of a GIS database project to support site reclamation.
A statement released on Tuesday by Kania Maliki Andeyaba, Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations, noted that Dr. Alake, represented by Dr. Ijeoma Idika, Director of Human Resources, commended ImPPPact Nigeria Alliance as a key partner in repositioning the mining sector. He urged the organization to collaborate closely with the ministry and other stakeholders while also seeking technical guidance from the ministry.
Mr. Ajayi explained that the GIS project is part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the ministry in 2023, with Plateau State as the first beneficiary.
“Currently, there is no available GIS database for the area, yet such data is crucial for effective planning and execution of reclamation efforts,” Ajayi said. “It will assist in site identification, environmental assessment, and land-use planning.”
He outlined the project’s two phases:
1. Data Collection: The first phase involves gathering and analyzing data on abandoned mining pits to understand their composition and condition. This will be done in partnership with Intomatics, a Germany-based geomatics company using satellite imagery to map mining sites. The data will be cross-verified through on-ground assessments by a team of experts, government officials, and local communities.
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2. Site Reclamation and Repurposing: The second phase will focus on rehabilitating the sites, with an emphasis on renewable energy. “We aim to repurpose the reclaimed land for solar energy generation, establishing Plateau as a hub for renewable energy,” Ajayi added. Other potential uses, such as agriculture and tourism, will be considered based on site suitability.
Speaking on the technical aspects, Andreas Kuhnen, Director of Geospatial Data at Intomatics, explained that AI-driven programs would process the GIS data, extracting specific information from satellite images to streamline reclamation workflows.
Ajayi added that the collected data would be submitted to the Mining Cadastre Office, helping to attract investors and enhance sustainable mining practices in Nigeria.
