Let’s start with some background on EMR. You have a proud history.
Yes. EMR has been in existence for more than 25 years. It started off catering only to the Petroleum Upstream consulting sector, but we have since pivoted, not only into the entire mining consulting value chain, but also own an active granite aggregate production plant, and we are actively exploring high-value metal tenements we have acquired.
Tell us about your services and clients.
We provide services across the mineral exploration and mining value chain to a cross-section of clients across the country. We have worked with several state governments (Adamawa, Lagos, Ebonyi, Osun to name a few) and a lot of private entities. We carry out data acquisition (geological, geophysical, geochemical), data interpretation, and integration into models to enhance a better understanding of the subsurface, towards improved exploration success. We are also involved in mine development, and we have opened several quarries for some of our clients.
Where in Africa are you active and where are you looking to for growth?
We are very active in the Nigerian space. We have had consulting opportunities in a couple of countries in West Africa, but our primary focus remains Nigeria.
How important is the Nigerian market for your organisation?
This is our key market and is our primary growth focus at the moment.
How excited are you about the burgeoning mining sector in Nigeria and what does this mean for your business there?
The sector has a tremendous potential to reorder the Nigerian economy, creating jobs, new skills, and real sustainable growth.
Which stand-out mining projects are you involved in in Nigeria?
We have some high-value metal assets we are exploring currently, and they would be impactful when successful.
Is the Nigerian government doing the right things and sending the right messages to prospective investors in the mining sector?
Yes. The government is working very hard to revive a high-potential sector that has been left fallow since the advent of oil in Nigeria. However, there is still a lot of work to be done.
From a legal advisory standpoint, what positive changes have you seen in the industry in the last ten years?
The 2007 Mining Code has largely spurred a renewed interest in the sector by ushering in a cloud of regulatory transparency and refocusing on the sector. Skills are now being acquired across the entire component value chains; it’s only a matter of time and the full economic impact will be felt.
EMR is a silver sponsor at the upcoming Nigeria Mining Week. How important is this annual gathering of the mining industry?
This gathering is very important. It provides a forum for all industry practitioners in the country to meet and share experiences. It also provides a platform for Nigeria and Nigerians to showcase the potential of its mineral sector.
This year is the tenth edition of Nigeria Mining Week. Your thoughts?
We were here at the very beginning 10 years ago. The impact of the conference on the Nigerian mining space, I would say has been huge, in my view, it has helped to spotlight the industry, market its potential value to the economy, and actively support the government’s reawakening of the sector. More can still be done, particularly in supporting a framework for developing the requisite skills lacking in the juniors in the sector.
What will be your message at the event this year?
We need to be able to start doing more towards making Nigeria a mining destination. A lot of data exists already; we need to create a framework for knowledgeable mining juniors to thrive- their success would bring in the heavy guns.
Anything you would like to add?
Keep up the good work.