By
Babangida Galleon
The Adamawa State Government says it is ready to explore the state’s mineral resources to boost economic growth and reduce dependence on oil revenue.
The Chairman of Adamawa Mining Company, Mennas Ngangurah, stated this in Yola during the presentation of an exploration report by Energy and Minerals Resources, a consulting firm.
Mennas Ngangurah said the exploration was initiated to establish the availability and potential of mineral resources across the state, adding that the government would begin seeking investors following the governor’s approval and the findings of the report.
He said areas with mineral potential that were not covered by existing exploration licences would also be considered, with the government working to secure the necessary approvals.
The chairman said efforts were being made to control illegal mining and urged residents to report such activities to the relevant authorities for appropriate action.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Investment Promotion Agency, Halilu Malabu, said the report identifies areas with mineral deposits and would be uploaded to the agency’s website to attract local and international investors.
He identified gold, graphite and other mineral resources as investment opportunities capable of contributing to the state’s economic development.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Isuwa Misali, commended the exploration exercise and urged relevant government agencies to use the findings to promote development.
The state government has issued twenty-two exploration licences covering minerals such as copper, lithium, lead, zinc, barite and gold.
Of these, twenty were successfully explored, while two could not be accessed because of security and difficult terrain.
GALLEON
