“World Class” Nickel Discovered In Kaduna

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The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, on Monday, confirmed the discovery of a “world class and highly unusual” nickel deposits in Kaduna State.

It is indicated that the discovery was made on a border town in Kaduna State, close to Dangoma, a small farming settlement about 160 kilometres northeast of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

One of the sources, who craved anonymity as he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said: “Yes it is true. Nickel has been found in Nigeria, but we cannot say anything right now. But be rest assured that a comprehensive report on the matter will be made available by the Ministry today, or as soon as possible.”

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Nickel is a silvery-white metal with a shiny surface common to most metals, and is ductile and capable of being drawn into thin wires.

The name is said to come from the German word Kupfernickel, meaning “Old Nick’s copper,” a term used by German miners. It is also said to be one of three naturally occurring elements that is strongly magnetic. The other two are iron and cobalt, but nickel is less magnetic than either iron or cobalt.

Nickel is used in many forms, including electric guitar strings, magnets and rechargeable batteries. It is added to a very important metal, alloy-stainless steel, which has numerous applications. It is used in cookware, cutlery, kitchen appliances and various bronzes and brasses as well as coins among several others.

Following the discovery, Nigeria is set to join the league of the world’s producers as the find is said to offer potential for early cash flow. Nigeria’s current major source of nickel, scrap metals, currently yields an average 2.5 metric tons annually.

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According to one of the major stakeholders in the solid minerals sector, the Association of Metal Exporters of Nigeria, “we can generate at least N5 trillion annually from mining and exporting of its vast solid mineral deposits, with several multiplier effects on job creation, state development and social infrastructure that could position the solid minerals sector as the main catalyst for national development.”

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