MINISTRY OF MINES AND S DEVELOPMENT
SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT FUND
16 YEDSERAM STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR THE ENGAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGY CONSULTANCY FIRM TO CONDUCT MINING VIABILITY AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES FOR AN AGRO-MINERAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

1. INTRODUCTION
The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the development of agro-mineral deposits in Ebonyi State.

2. BACKGROUND
A key factor in agricultural productivity is yield improvement, and one way of achieving this is using cheap and readily available fertilizers. The Solid Minerals Development Fund and its partners plan to undertake the exploration, mining, and production of a critical agro-mineral for the local market and subsequent exports.

3. OVERVIEW OF THE SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT FUND
The Solid Mineral Development Fund (“SMDF” or the “Fund”) is Government-owned Fund established to drive investments in Nigeria’s mining sector. The Fund was established in 2007 by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the 2007 Minerals and Mining Act. SMDF is a unique government funding vehicle focused on driving critical interventions that maximize the recovery and impact of capital deployed.

4. REGIONAL GEOLOGY AND AREA OF INTEREST
Ebonyi State is underlain mainly by the Asu River Group and EzeAku Group, occurring in most of the northern and central parts of the state. The Nkalagu Limestone outcrops Nkalagu and Nkalaha areas in Ishielu and Ezza-Aku Group in Amasiri and Akpoha areas, extending into Itigidi and Ugep in Cross River State.

5. SCOPE OF WORK
The scope of work for the Geology Consulting Firm(s) will include but is not limited to:
• Studies at all levels, including pre-feasibility studies, feasibility studies, and bankable documents
• Due diligence assessments
• Mining risk assessments
• Multi-disciplinary study management