From Esther Akaa, Lafia
The National Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Cooperative Society (NASSMCS) says it has discovered high value sodium deposits in Nasarawa and other states of the federation that could be used in mass producing long lasting Sodium-ion batteries.
A statement issued on Monday and signed by National President of NASSMCS, Alhaji Auwalu Dantasidi, and made available to journalists in Lafia, stated that high quality sodium was discovered within the rocky mountains and river beds in Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Osun Calabar, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kebbi, Taraba, Yobe, Oyo, Plateau, and Kaduna in high deposit.
According to him, due to the numerical advantage of its membership, its mining competence and talent, and the fact that artisanal miners are the first resource searchers, NASSMCS was able to accomplish the feat of being the first to find and extract the mineral resource in the country.
He added that in the middle of August of the year 2023, some members of the Cooperative Society were conducting a routine geological survey in various parts of the country when they accidentally discovered the rich mineral reserves.
“This high quality sodium is situated within the rocky mountains and river beds in Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Osun Calabar, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kebbi, Taraba, Yobe, Oyo, Plateau, and Kaduna in high deposit.
“This groundbreaking discovery is poised to revolutionize various industries and reshape the nation and global energy landscape,” he said.
“The implications of this discovery are far-reaching. As the world grapples with the urgent need to transition to renewable energy sources, sodium-ion batteries offer a compelling solution.
“With their potential to store and release energy at a competitive cost, they hold the key to transforming the renewable energy sector.
“Sodium-ion batteries have long been heralded as a potentially transformative technology, promising enhanced energy storage capabilities and a more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries,” he said.
He explained further that the game-changing factor in the discovery is that sodium-ion batteries are inherently more abundant and environmentally friendly than their lithium-ion counterparts.
“This new found resource will reduce dependence on finite and ecologically sensitive lithium reserves, further solidifying Africa’s position as a vital hub in the global green energy revolution.
“This discovery of sodium deposits is not only a triumph for the mining industry but also a boon for the Nigerian economy,” he said.
Dantasidi assured of the society’s commitment to sustainable mining practices ensures that the benefits of the breakthrough will extend to communities across Nigeria, fostering economic growth, and creating employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians.
“Furthermore, this pioneering achievement has the potential to spur innovation in research and development, attracting further investment and talent to the country.
“NASSMCS has set a new standard for innovation and sustainability in the mining industry and this historic discovery of sodium deposits positions them at the forefront of the national energy transition, with far-reaching implications for industries ranging from electric vehicles to grid-scale energy storage,” he said.
He, therefore assured of the mining society’s readiness to engage, support, and collaborate with the Ministry of Solid Minerals, lead by its Minister, Mr. Dele Alake, to transform Nigeria’s economic story through the maximum commercialisation of the sodium potential that exists all over the country.
