Section 4: Functions of the Minister.

Subject to the provision of this Act, the Minister shall-
(a) ensure the orderly and sustainable development of Nigeria's Mineral Resources ;
(b) develop a well planned and coherent programnme of exploitation of mineral
resources taking into account the economic development, ecological and environmental factors ;
(c) monitor compliance with Community Development Agreements by industry operators ;
(d) establish the procedure for monitoring developments in the solid minerals sector and encourage the private sector investment in mineral resources development ;
(e) ensure that in the exploitation of the mineral resources, an equitable balance is maintained between foreign an indigenous interest ;
(f) create an enabling environment for the private investors, both foreign and domestic by providing adequate infrastructure for mining activities, and identify areas where Governntent intervention is desirable in achieving policy goals and proper perspective in mineral resources development ;
(g) accelerate the development of technical and professional manpower required in the mineral sector ;
(h) establish environmental procedures and requirements applicable to mining operations ;
(i) maintain liaison between investors and Government Departments and Agencies set up for the purpose of development of mineral resources and allied projects ; and collaborate with other Ministries and agencies of the Federal Government whose functions relate to the objectives of this Act ;
(j) prescribe measures for the general welfare and safety of workers engaged in mineral resources operations ;
(k) develop a geo-scientific databank, and collate detailed data concerning the identity, quantity and quality of Nigeria's Mineral Resources ;
(l) assist the private sector in identifying specific mining projects ;
(m) initiate, organize and participate in promotion mineral resources development, such as conferences, seminars and workshops geared towards the stimulation of investments in mineral resources ;
(n) provide and disseminate up to date information on incentives in mineral resources available to investors under this Act ;
(o) register and keep records of all enterprises and companies established and pursuing activities in mineral resources and allied projects ;
(p) cause to be created, such departments and agencies as are necessary for the effective administration of this Act ;
(q) introduce investment friendly local contents measures for mining projects ;
(r) facilitate the development of indigenous technical and professional manpower required in the mineral resources sector;
(s) cooperate on behalf of the Federal Government with other Governments and international agencies in respect of matters relating to Nigeria's Mineral Resources ;
(t) do such other things as are reasonably necessary or expedient for the performance of his functions under this Act ; and
(u) have the power to designate a mineral as a radioactive mineral and by radioactive regulations make special provisions for the exploration, exploitation, possession, export or otherwise dealing in the radio active mineral.