Mining Experts Seek Stronger Community Relations, Local Gemstone Processing

Mining industry stakeholders have called for stronger engagement with host communities and increased local processing of gemstones to promote sustainable mining, create jobs and maximise the economic benefits of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
They said mining companies must build trust with host communities from the exploration stage, while investing in skills development, gemstone processing and branding to support long-term economic growth.
The stakeholders spoke during separate panel sessions on Wednesday at the three-day Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, where they highlighted the importance of community partnerships and developing Nigeria’s gemstone value chain.
At a session on “From...