The Director General, National Metallurgical Development Center (NMDC) Engr Linus Asuquo, has assured an Indian Iron Ore explorers of a partnership to burst mineral exploration between both countries for economic development.
Engr Asuquo gave the assurances on Monday, at the NMDC centre in Jos Plateau state, while guiding a team of Indians on a facility tour to the National Metallurgical Development Center.
Represented by the director, finance and human resource management Dr. Yusuf Abubakar; the DG, Engr Asuquo told the foreign investors that the Center was created in 1973 to serve as a center for iron ore research center and has the needed manpower and facility to serve their purpose.
The DG also stressed that NMDC have been processing most raw mineral resources, and analyzing processed iron product, the NMDC boss revealed that the Center have achieved it purpose of establishment, but lacking in adequate funding.
He noted with satisfaction that most Nigerian Higher institutions do visit NMDC with engineering students for facility tour, and their desires are being met.
According to the Director General, NMDC have been serving the entire wast African region in processing iron ore and other mineral resources.
Addressing management and members of staff of the NMDC, on their observations after the tour of the various processing departments, leader of the delegation Engr Mostu Vasgahese who spoke on behalf of Towo limited, the Indian said they were satisfied and impressed with the equipment in place.
“We never thought such a center exist in Nigeria, we are satisfied with what we saw.”
Engr Mostu also in an interview with Journalists said they will formally applied at the Ministry of Mining and minerals development Abuja for the memorandum of understanding to be signed between their country and the Nigeria government.
It was observed that when the investors were going round the entire facility of the NMDC, new machines brought to the center for ultima processing of minerals were yet to be installed.
It was gathered that the 36 states of Nigeria has mineral deposits across the country, only a few do not have mineral deposits in commercial quality.
Credit: Andrew Ajijah, Jos
