Nigerian technology company Terra Industries has secured a $1 million mining security contract for the Jema’a Resource Project in Kaduna State.
The agreement covers surveillance and site protection at the project in Gidan Waya.
Gold, lithium, copper and nickel deposits have been identified at the site, according to Business Insider Africa.
Nigeria mining security contract covers Jema’a project
Terra said Anka Metals awarded the first phase of the contract.
Under the agreement, the company will provide autonomous surveillance and security systems for the mining site.
The Jema’a project is being developed through a special-purpose company created by the Kaduna Mining Development Company.
The project followed a mineral discovery by Kian Smith for a joint venture involving KMDC and Anka Metals.
Meanwhile, Kaduna is seeking greater investment in its mining industry.
In July, KMDC and the Africa Finance Corporation signed agreements worth $500 million to support mining development across the state.
The agreements include support for moving the Jema’a project towards commercial production.
Terra expands mining security operations
The latest Nigeria mining security contract comes as Terra expands its commercial security business.
The company recently said it had secured another $2 million in contracts to protect two lithium mining operations in Nigeria.
Those projects will use 20 sentry towers and four Iroko drones.
Terra said the equipment will use its ArtemisOS platform for surveillance, threat detection and response.
The company expects the deployments to expand as additional mining sites begin operations.
Nigeria seeks more mining investment
Nigeria is also working to attract greater international investment into its mineral sector.
The country and the United States are moving towards a mining cooperation agreement, according to the report.
Officials have discussed cooperation in geological exploration, mining, mineral processing and refining.
The talks have also covered supply chains for minerals considered important to the global energy transition.
Nigeria has significant deposits of minerals including lithium and gold. Authorities are seeking to develop more of these resources commercially.
As investment grows, security for mining sites and related infrastructure is also becoming an important part of new projects.