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Mining
Coal To Power Generation
In 2015 MEL commenced a comprehensive geoscience/technical investigation and exploratory drilling program on its coal property in Kogi and Delta state. Till date a total number of 178 holes have been drilled at an average depth of 77meters and intercepted an average coal seam thickness of 1.3meters for Kogi and 10meters for Delta. The qualitative test conducted for the coal samples collected shows Kogi samples to have an average calorific value of 5842.71Kcal/Kg and an average Sulphur content of 1.46% while Delta samples have an average calorific value of 4615.57Kcal/Kg and an average Sulphur content of 0.66%.
To ensure development of the coal resources according to international best practices, MEL appointed Messrs Tata Consulting Engineers in late 2016 through a competitive bid process to conduct Preliminary Feasibility Studies (PFS) for the mine design and development for both Kogi and Delta coal properties. Other developmental activities undertaken by MEL to develop the Kogi and Delta tenements include.
- Conducting logistic studies to include option study for the transportation of Coal to coal power plants in the Northern part of Nigeria and Lignite to Lagos coastal power plants.
- Conducting an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the exploration and mining operations,
- Execution of the community development agreement.
- Application for Mining Lease (ML) from the Federal Government of Nigeria.
MEL’s primary purpose of developing the Coal properties in Kogi and Delta States includes:
- The supply of Coal to Ramos Electric Power Plants to be located in Campo, Benue State and Ukwu-nzu in Delta state. The power plants are designed to produce 1,000MW of electricity each with an initial capacity of 600MW.
- The supply of coal to other coal power plants in the coastal part of Lagos and the Northern part of Nigeria.
- The supply of coal to Industrial users, particularly cement and bakery; and
- Supply of coal to domestic users in form of briquettes.
MEL shall continue to pursue new opportunities in the Solid minerals and mining sector in Nigeria and shall strengthen its position within the market as a leading exploration and mining company.