Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Federal Government has partnered with ImPPPact Nigeria Alliance to launch a Geographic Information System, GIS, database project aimed at reclaiming abandoned mining sites in the country, starting from Plateau State.
The initiative, described as a game-changer for the mining sector, is expected to provide accurate environmental and spatial data necessary for effective rehabilitation efforts.
Speaking, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, represented by the Director of Human Resources at the Ministry, Dr. Ijeoma Idika, commended ImPPPact Nigeria Alliance for its commitment to revitalizing abandoned mining sites.
He called for greater collaboration between the company, state officials, and relevant agencies to ensure the project’s success.
“This initiative is a crucial step in repositioning Nigeria’s mining sector. The Ministry is ready to provide technical guidance to ensure this project delivers the expected impact,” Alake stated.
Managing Director of ImPPPact Nigeria Alliance, Mr. Olushola Ajayi, revealed that the project is part of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, signed with the Ministry in 2023, making Plateau State the first beneficiary.
Ajayi emphasized the importance of GIS technology in identifying, assessing, and planning the reclamation of mining sites.
“The project is in two phases. The first phase involves data collation for the GIS database of abandoned pits. This will help us accurately identify and characterize mining sites. Without a clear understanding of their composition and condition, rehabilitation becomes very difficult,” Ajayi explained.
He disclosed that the project will involve experts from Intomatics, a Germany-based company specializing in geomatic services.
“The company will use satellite imagery techniques to gather data, which will be compared with on-the-ground realities in Plateau. A team of experts, government officials, and local communities will collaborate to ensure accurate data collection,” he added.
Ajayi also revealed that the second phase of the project will focus on repurposing reclaimed mining sites for solar energy generation, potentially positioning Plateau State as a hub for renewable energy.
“These sites could later be considered for agriculture, tourism, or other economic activities based on their suitability,” he added.
Also speaking, Director of Geospatial Data at Intomatics, Andreas Kuhnen, further elaborated on the role of artificial intelligence in processing GIS data.
“The AI programs will extract specific information from satellite images, creating a stable workflow for the reclamation process,” he noted.
The GIS database is expected to enhance site identification, environmental assessment, and land-use planning, ultimately attracting investors to the mining sector while addressing environmental degradation in Plateau State.
