Explorations Ltd., through its Nigerian subsidiary, Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL) is supporting agricultural enterprise in its host communities through the provision of ten mini cassava and oil palm processing plants. The initiative combines a 50 percent equipment subsidy with a hire purchase agreement to improve access to productive assets and strengthen local livelihoods.
The Cassava and Oil Palm Processing Equipment Project covers the three host communities: Imogbara, Odo-Ijesha and Iperindo, with six oil palm processing plants and four cassava processing plants allocated to selected beneficiaries across the three communities. It addresses practical constraints faced by local processors, whose reliance on labour intensive methods can restrict production volumes, increase processing time and limit earning potential.
The equipment subsidy and hire purchase agreement arrangement is designed to make equipment more accessible while encouraging business ownership, accountability and long term maintenance.
The Company thoroughly believes that Agriculture is an important source of livelihood in its host communities. By helping local processors access better equipment, Thor supports their ability to build stronger businesses and participate more effectively in agricultural value chains. Thor’s commitment to responsible mining includes investing in productive opportunities that strengthen the local economy and support livelihoods over the long term
Each oil palm processing plant includes a vertical palm fruit debuncher and a diesel-powered automatic presser. The debunchers have a processing capacity of 800-1,000 kilograms per hour and are designed to reduce the manual effort involved in separating palm fruits from their bunches. The automatic pressers mechanise the pressing stage to improve processing efficiency.
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The cassava processing plants each comprise a grater, a manual presser fitted with a 32-tonne jack and a fryer for garri production. The graters can process 500 kilograms of cassava per hour, while the pressers remove excess water from grated cassava before further processing. Together, the equipment is intended to reduce strenuous work, improve processing consistency and enable beneficiaries to handle larger volumes of produce.
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Iperindo has been allocated two oil palm plants and two cassava plants. While Imogbara and Odo-Ijesha have each been allocated two oil palm plants and one cassava plant.
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Beyond the direct benefits to processors, the project is expected to support economic activity across transportation, trading and distribution. Improved processing capability and product quality could strengthen market opportunities for beneficiaries and create demand for related local services.
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This initiative forms part of Thor’s wider community investment through SROL complementing programmes in women’s enterprise, education and livelihood restoration programmes. It reflects the Company’s commitment to supporting economic resilience and expanding opportunities within the communities surrounding the Segilola Gold Mine.
