Nigeria launches satellite surveillance system for mining sector
The government of Nigeria has introduced a satellite surveillance system aimed at enhancing efficiency, safety, and economic growth in the mining sector.
The US $2M project, is expected to revolutionise the mining industry through advanced satellite technology and real-time data analysis. It is being managed by MikyWay Visuals Limited in collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).
According to Dr. Olugbenga Oyewole, the Managing Director of MikyWay Visuals, the initiative is a strategic effort to modernise mining operations and ensure regulatory compliance across the country. A key feature of the system is the creation of a comprehensive mineral map of Nigeria, which will provide detailed information on the location of various mineral deposits.
Features
By integrating satellite data with mining licenses issued by the Ministry of Solid Minerals, authorities will be able to track mining activities more effectively and identify cases of illegal operations. This will help ensure that mining activities are conducted within the legal framework and that miners adhere to safety and environmental standards.
To enhance accountability, miners will be issued Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-tagged ID cards. These cards will enable authorities to verify the legitimacy of mining operations quickly and accurately. The system will also include a QR code-based tracking system that will monitor the movement of mined materials. Law enforcement and customs officials will be able to scan these QR codes to confirm the source and authenticity of minerals being transported, reducing smuggling and tax evasion.
Safety is another crucial aspect of the system. Satellite data will be used to assess the structural integrity of mining sites, and the technology will generate early warnings if a site is at risk of collapse. This will allow authorities to take preventive measures and evacuate workers when necessary, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and improving worker safety. Additionally, drones connected to satellite communication will be deployed for live monitoring of mining sites, providing real-time footage that can be accessed by government officials for swift decision-making.
The system is designed to optimise revenue collection and improve efficiency in the mining sector. It will automate the processing of taxes and royalties, ensuring that the government receives its fair share of mining revenues. By focusing on specific high-activity areas rather than monitoring all sites equally, inspectors and customs officials can allocate resources more effectively, improving operational efficiency.
Data security and controlled access are central to the project’s design. Information will be accessible only to select agencies, such as the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, the National Security Adviser (NSA), and the Department of State Services (DSS). This controlled access will protect sensitive data while allowing relevant authorities to monitor and regulate the sector effectively. Historical data will also be stored, enabling authorities to trace past illegal activities and recover unpaid revenues.
An advanced material verification system will further strengthen the project’s impact. Spectrophotometers and RFID chips will be used to verify the composition of minerals being transported. This technology will prevent miners from misdeclaring valuable minerals such as gold as less valuable substances to evade taxes. For instance, if a truck carrying gold sand is falsely labeled as carrying ordinary sand, the spectrophotometer will detect the actual composition and alert authorities.
Dr. Oyewole highlighted the importance of local value addition, suggesting that establishing refineries within Nigeria would allow minerals to be processed to international standards. This would not only increase the value of Nigeria’s mineral exports but also create jobs and boost the country’s global competitiveness in the mining sector.
The satellite surveillance system represents a strategic shift towards a more transparent and efficient mining industry. By embracing geospatial technology and smart resource allocation, Nigeria is positioning itself to become a leading player in the global mining market. The first phase of the project will focus on implementing the core technologies, while the second phase will introduce an electronic reporting platform to further streamline operations. If successfully executed, this initiative could transform Nigeria’s mining sector, increase government revenue, enhance worker safety, and attract foreign investment.
