From Abel Zwànke, Lafia
Nigeria’s mining sector is poised for a transformative shift as industry leaders advocate for sustainable practices and increased participation of women.
Speaking at the WIMTI DEC 2024 Presentation yesterday Engr. (Dr.) Janet F. Adeyemi, President of Women in Mining Nigeria (WIM Nigeria), called for the adoption of a circular economy in mining.
The Case for a Circular Economy
Adeyemi emphasized the need for a departure from the traditional “take-make-use-dispose” model, advocating for a circular economy to ensure sustainable resource management. “A circular economy in mining integrates sustainable practices across the lifecycle, focusing on reducing waste, reusing materials, and regenerating ecosystems. This approach ensures nothing is wasted, and natural resources are managed sustainably,” she said.
Citing global trends, Adeyemi pointed to Sweden’s use of mining by-products as fertilizers, Australia’s advanced water recycling programs, and Canada’s reintegration of tailings into infrastructure projects. “Countries like Chile have adopted renewable energy sources for mining operations, with the Escondida mine utilizing a 100 MW solar plant,” she noted. “These efforts significantly reduce environmental footprints while enhancing operational efficiency.”
She also stressed the urgency of adopting sustainable practices, warning, “Global material consumption is expected to double in the next 40 years, and annual waste generation could rise by 70% by 2050. This trajectory directly impacts climate change.”
A Vision for the Future, Adeyemi added that Africans must navigates its mining future, technology and innovation to remain central to its success while describing the “mine of the future” as one that will be electrified, powered by renewable energy, and connected for real-time optimization. “This is essential to meet the demands of a low-carbon world,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Badewa T. Adejugbe-Williams, Chair of the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative also highlighted the role of women in driving innovation and leadership in the industry during a recent entrepreneurship and training workshop.
Badewa added that women Breaking Barriers in Mining remain underrepresented in Nigeria’s mining sector, constituting only 6.8% of the workforce, compared to the global average of 8%. Even fewer hold leadership positions. Dr. Adejugbe-Williams addressed these challenges, citing gender bias, cultural barriers, and limited access to resources as significant hurdles.
“Women CAN redefine mining through their unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and sheer determination,” Adejugbe-Williams said. She encouraged women to embrace opportunities in entrepreneurship, sustainable mining, and safety technologies.
Highlighting inspiring success stories, she mentioned Bridgette Radebe of South Africa and Precious Ramotswe of Botswana, whose achievements demonstrate that women can thrive in the industry. “Their journeys explains the importance of education, resilience, and leveraging available resources,” she added.
Lessons for Africa, Badewa noted the importance of policy reforms, capacity building, and community-centered approaches in Africa’s mining sector. “We must develop supportive policies to incentivize green technologies and foster public-private partnerships to drive innovation,” Adeyemi stated. She also emphasized the role of local communities in ensuring inclusive benefits.
Badewa however, urges women to seize the increasing availability of training, networking, and funding opportunities. “Don’t wait for opportunities. Create them,” she advised.
She envision a transformed mining industry where sustainable practices and gender inclusivity drive growth. “When women lead, industries transform,” Adejugbe-Williams declared.
“With minerals being vital to global economies, these calls for sustainability and inclusivity signal a new era for Nigeria’s mining sector, ensuring it benefits the environment and its people alike.”
