The Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) has extended the application deadline for its Early-Stage Mineral Exploration and Research Grant Endowment (EMERGE) programme to September 7, 2026. The extension provides eligible applicants with additional time to seek funding under the programme, which is focused on supporting early-stage mineral exploration, critical minerals development, research and innovation within Nigeria’s mining sector. EMERGE is designed to provide financial support to explorers, mining companies, universities and researchers undertaking projects capable of generating geological data, improving mineral processing and advancing promising mining ventures. According to the SMDF, the...