Metallurgical Centre to Partner for Smelting Development

BY CHAMBERLAIN ODEY, JOS – The National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC) has stepped up efforts to revolutionize the national steel sub-sector and mining activities as it seeks partnership with a Malaysian smelting firm on research and development initiatives.
Acting Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Emmanuel Mbaya, made this policy known in an address on the occasion of the official visit of representatives of a Malaysian Smelting Company, in conjunction with the Nigerian Tin Corporation and the Ministry of Mines and steel Development when the paid a working visit to the Centre in Jos.
Engineer Mbaya said the “NMDC is desirous of exploring the partnership opportunities to upgrade the Centre’s machines and equipment, including human capacity development through in-plant training”.
According to the DG, “with its expansive processing and storage facilities”, the NMDC can “serve as a major tin supplier to the Malaysian Smelting Corporation”, and allied institutions in Malaysia under the partnership agreement.
Mbaya noted that both Nigeria and Malaysia are richly endowed with solid and industrial minerals which over time were exploited, mined, and sold by Artisanal and small scale miners in crude form. He said this primitive practice robbed the local miners and the Federal Government of the huge benefits derivable from these resources.
The DG also used the opportunity to recall that the NMDC has carried out successful evaluation and beneficiation of all major iron ore deposits in Nigeria, as well as conducted studies on Nigeria’s coal with a view to increase their utility value.
Leader of the delegation, Dato Lee Chung Han expressed happiness with the calibre of facilities at the NMDC, saying he was hopeful that the anticipated partnership would be rewarding to both countries.