NATIONAL POLICY ON BARYTES DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

A Policy establishes a framework for developing Nigeria's barytes resources for the oil and gas sector. It targets mining companies, oil firms, and regulatory bodies to promote local extraction and use. This seeks to reduce imports and generate employment in mining.

What Is This Policy?

Nigeria's policy framework for developing its substantial barytes mineral resources, which are used primarily in the oil and gas industry as a drilling fluid weighting material.

Who Does It Target?

Barytes mining companies and miners Oil and gas companies consuming barytes in drilling The Mining Cadastre Office and state mineral authorities Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Maximise the local development and utilisation of Nigeria's barytes resources, reduce dependence on imported barytes for the oil industry, create employment in the mining sector, and generate government revenue.

Key Features

Local Content: Promotes use of locally mined barytes by oil and gas operators to reduce import costs and build the domestic mining industry. Investment Incentives: Provides investment incentives for barytes mining and processing facilities. Quality Standards: Establishes quality standards for Nigerian barytes to meet API specifications required by the oil industry. Certification: Creates a certification scheme for barytes producers to validate quality and compliance.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Barytes mining regions, primarily in Plateau, Taraba, and Cross River states Beneficiaries: Mining companies; oil and gas sector; local communities Funding: Private mining investment; government incentives

How to Access

Obtain mining licence from the Mining Cadastre Office Comply with environmental and safety standards under the Mining Act Nigerian content obligations apply to barytes supply contracts with oil companies Application method: Apply for mining licences at the Mining Cadastre Office of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

Official Resources

Website: https://www.minesandsteel.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development

Legal Framework

Operates under the Minerals and Mining Act 2007, the Mines and Quarries Act, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Act 1995, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council Act, and the Mining Regulations 2011. Draws on the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Nigeria standards.