Abuja Nigeria – The meeting reviewed a proposed partnership between African University of Science and Technology (AUST) and Iron Ore Mining Ltd (IOML), to document artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), generate data-driven outputs, and produce an evidence-based report to support formalization, policy, research in the mining sector. Participants agreed to convert the concept into a joint proposal and workplan with defined research and business roles.
Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS, President, AUST, in his speech, diagnosed some sector failures: pervasive non-enforcement, political collusion, absence of a dedicated minerals regulator comparable to oil and gas, and failed prior donor or government formalization efforts. He cited concrete harms from unregulated ASM, including severe erosion and a recent collapse that killed more than ten people in Anambra State, and noted the reactionary government approach by closing down the site without remediation or formalization.
The host, Dr. Morgan Leo Akpan, Centre Leader, ACMED, outlined partnership priorities which includes; ensuring activity sustainability, gathering site data for planning and research, leveraging a university cooperative, supporting title applications and policy completion, improving teaching and curriculum validation, and creating institutional benefits and easier student internships.
Amina Sijuwade, representing IOML, noted that this pilot project is an opportunity to generate high-quality scientific and multimedia outputs (video, pictures, drone imagery) and a comprehensive report useful to government and stakeholders. She presented the company’s perspective and committed full-time facilitation and access to 10–11 years of on-site historical information, local contacts, leased equipment, and field staff to guide data collection.
Dr. Muhammed Haruna Abubakar, Dean, School of Management Sciences, noted the project as a step in the right direction. He decried the high rate of unsupervised mining activities – even in urban areas which has contributed to the degradation of the environment.
Participants agreed that proposal content should emphasize methodologies, expected outcomes, capacity building, data systems, cooperatives, environmental and social management (ESM), gender and child-labor protections, and measurable deliverables. Roles were clarified: AUST leads research and capacity building, IOML leads business-facing activities, with joint contribution to content and implementation structure.
Participants in attendance include: Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS – President, ASUT; Dr. Morgan Leo Akpan- Centre Leader, ACMED; Dr. Muhammed Haruna Abubakar – Dean, School of Management Sciences; Amina Sijuwade – IOML Representative; Prince Obioha Sampson Atulomah – Head, Media Services/PR Unit; Mrs Dawodu Abimbola – Admin/Research Asst., ACMED; Mr. Dike Chibuzo Emmanuel – Admin Asst. Media Services/PR Unit.