A director in charge of artisanal and small scale mining in the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Ojeka O. Patrick has revealed that over 80% of miners in the country engage in artisanal mining. He made the statement during the 2022 Nigeria Mining Week, which is the sixth edition of the event. The event took place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Ojeka disclosed that the event was meant to raise awareness about mining in Nigeria thereby creating global awareness and placing Nigeria on the world mining activities.

He said the event was organized by Nigeria Mining Association (MAN) in conjunction with VUKA Group of South Africa, TITAN Mineral Limited and the Ministry of Mining and Steel Development.

Patrick Ojeka noted that one of the low points of mining in Nigeria is that over 80% of miners in Nigeria are into artisanal mining. And he raised the hope of stakeholders by saying that by the time mining activities are upgraded, the industry could conveniently become the major earner of foreign currency for the country.