Nigeria's Iron Ore Reserves Support Ajaokuta Steel Complex

The National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA) has announced that Nigeria has an estimated three billion tonnes of iron ore reserves, which can sustain operations at the Ajaokuta Steel Complex for decades. Kolawole Ogunbiyi, the Director-General of NSRMEA, made this declaration in Kaduna, stating that the availability of raw materials will not impede the long-delayed steel plant's production.

Extensive geological explorations have confirmed Nigeria's rich deposits of iron ore, limestone, and coal, with iron ore constituting about 95% of steel-making inputs. Ogunbiyi highlighted the Itakpe iron ore deposit in Kogi State as crucial for Nigeria's integrated steel development due to its high iron content and low impurities.

He lamented that mining activities are underutilized because the Ajaokuta Steel Complex has not yet started full commercial operations. Ogunbiyi also noted that while limestone is currently licensed for cement production, sufficient quantities remain for future steel manufacturing, and additional exploration is needed for coal deposits in Obi-Lafia, Nasarawa State.