Nigeria has approved the supply of power to revive the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) for sustainable commercial operations.
According to media reports, the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, said the federal government, along with the Akwa Ibom state government, will ensure “efficient exploitation of huge deposits of silica sand, glass sand and clay” and sensitise mining operators, host communities and other stakeholders to conduct mining activities in a safe and environmentally friendly manner as provided in the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.
Managing Director of the plant, Zavalov Dmitry, revealed that ALSCON was forced to shut down in 2014 due to a gas supply cut, adding that plans are ongoing to ensure that the company commence operation.
At the time of incorporation in 1989, ALSCON was owned by three partners, namely, the federal government, Ferrostaal of Germany and Reynolds Incorporated of America based on equity holdings of 70 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.