Ajaokuta needs 2m tons of iron ore annually to operate – DG

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Director General of the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA), Kolawole Ogunbiyi, has said that the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited needs two million tons of iron ore to operate.
Speaking when the Minister of State for Steel Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu paid a familiarisation visit to the agency yesterday, he said there is a need for more investment in the mining of iron ore to have a sustainable supply to steel industries across the country.
He then emphasized the need for the government to provide special intervention funds to complete the Obi Coal project, noting, “Once completed, Obi Lafiya Semi cooking Coal project will reduce importation of coking coal.”
Highlighting some strategic plans for a sustainable supply of steel raw materials, he said, “The acquisition of crawler-mounded diamond core drilling rigs, heavy-duty field vehicles (bulldozers), and field laboratory equipment will go a long way in increasing the supply of iron ore in the country.”
Responding, the minister assured of adequate investment in research and development as well as foster partnerships and encourage a thriving ecosystem for sustainable development of the nation’s mineral resources.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Steel Development to support, enhance, and propel the agency and other agencies of the ministry to perform beyond expectations for better productivity.