By Ignatius Ushie
Meteorological sciences can help improve operational safety in the mining sector. This was noted as part of the paper titled, ‘Intersection Between Climate Change Concerns And The Mining Industry- The Role Of NiMet’,
presented by the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, at the one-day ‘Solid Minerals Conference’ organized by Business Day newspaper which held in Abuja on Tuesday, 30th January, 2024.
In a statement made available to Transport Day in Abuja, Anosike noted that mines activities are related to the weather conditions.
According to Prof. Anosike, mines and all the activities related to mining are some of the most weather- vulnerable industries in the world; as the mines are often located in geographically and climatically challenging locations, adding that, weather can and does affect mining operations, posing risks that can compromise workers’ safety and lead to delays and disruption in productivity.
“As the climate changes, extreme weather events are growing in frequency and bringing challenges to mining safety, productivity and profitability. It is however interesting to note that the federal government is already taking some actions in this regard,” he noted.
According to the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr Dele Alake, as quoted in a ThisDay newspaper story of October 2023, the Federal Government is pursuing diversification from hydrocarbons to make the minerals sector a major revenue contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as its contribution to mitigate climate change impact.
Continuing, Prof. Anosike said; “Real-time weather forecasts, warnings, and information on climatic conditions are essential for ensuring the safety of operations especially where weather conditions can significantly impact safety.
“Accurate meteorological data helps in assessing and mitigating risks associated with extreme weather events such as storms, floods etc. This is critical in minimizing potential damages to infrastructure and ensure the safety of personnel.”
While speaking on climate change and its sectorial impact, Professor Anosike said that some of the most significant effects of climate change that are notable in Nigeria include increase in uncertainties of the onset of rainy season (false onset), shifts in rainfall onset and cessation periods.
“Nigerians have experienced sea level rise, overwhelming heat, and extreme weather events in recent years. However, with adequate weather and climate information, there is increase in climate actions and resilience”.
He said that NiMet’s new Establishment Act 2022 gives the agency the impetus as a regulator of all aspects of meteorology in Nigeria to commercialize meteorological data by partnering the private sector.
