In a visionary step towards sustainable energy and economic growth, the Edo State Government has extended a warm welcome to international investors for lithium mining and lithium battery production in the state.
The international investors representing Renera Rosatom Energy Corporation were hosted by the Edo State Ministry of Mining and Energy (Oil, Gas and Power) on Tuesday in Benin City, the state capital.
Lithium also known as white gold, is a mineral found in large deposits in some states in Nigeria such as Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Ekiti, Cross-Rivers and Edo.
The much-coveted mineral is used in the production of rechargeable batteries and electric vehicles.
In a presentation at the conference meeting, the Director of Mining, Edo State, Mr. Omoruyi Ihianle, disclosed the efforts put in place by the Governor Obaseki-led administration towards advancing the mining business in the state.
“The state government, after looking at the sector thought it wise to come forward with what we call the SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle), and with this SPV, the state government aims to ensure that the mining sector gives value to government and the investors,” Omoruyi said.
“We have the registration number of the SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) Associates Mining and Investment Company Limited. It was incorporated last year and it has already started running.
“Now the mandate as regards the Ministry of Mining & Energy and also the SPV is to ensure that the state is positioned in a way to assist miners and also to be a major player in the mining industry,” he added.
While outlining the objectives of the Edo State Mining and Investment Company Ltd. (ESMIC), the Director of Mining, Edo State, noted that the commission is aimed at providing support for mining companies operating in the state, providing services along the mineral market value chain in line with international best practice with environmentally friendly business method and ensuring that their partners get the value for their investment.
He further guaranteed that the commission is geared towards ensuring a smooth synergy between investors, the companies, and the miners while creating jobs for indigenes of the communities in the state.
While welcoming the investors, the Edo State Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Hon. Ojiefoh Enaholo expressed the seriousness and readiness of the State Government in positioning Edo as an enabler and a major player in the mining sector.
Hon. Enaholo further explained the positioning of Edo State in terms of accessibility and linkage to other states.
In his statement, Hon Enaholo said, “Edo State is the heartbeat of Nigeria which means it connects the north, connect the west, if you are moving from north to east you will pass through the state. If you are moving from the east to the north and the west, coming from the west, south, or to the east, you must pass through Edo State and it’s very unique.”
“We are building the first solid mineral processing center and trade center where we have an analysis center. It’s under construction as I speak to you now and we are setting it up already.
“By December, our lab, our analysis lab will be ready, because we want to start knowing the contents and the percentage of our minerals.
“For now, we are tired of trading our minerals for nothing. We want to make sure that whatever is coming out from the state, we know the percentage, we know the value and we know the composition.
“That’s why the state government is ready to set up that analysis center for us to analyze all our minerals,” Hon. Enaholo added.
According to Hon. Enaholo, the reason for the partnership is because of the state’s special interest in developing and going into massive industrialization.
“We are embracing our International Partners. By the grace of God, the investment opportunity we have here, after two years of working with us, you will go back and tell your people that the investment we have here, you can’t have it in any place in the world, because our commission and our deposit are very unique. what we want is to support our people and to develop,” he emphasised.
“We believe in your capacity. We believe that from all the history we have available to us, you are one of the companies that will develop this sector for us,” he added.
The Honorable Commissioner for Mining and Energy further assured the investors of the support of the Edo State Government in providing the enabling environment, resources, security, and support for a successful partnership.
“We will make sure we protect you even while you are sleeping because your investment is important to us,” he stressed.
Speaking on behalf of the delegates for the international investors, Mr. Andrey Mineev, Vice President of Uranium One expressed his gratitude for the warm reception. He also expressed the readiness to embark on the partnership with the Edo State Government, as they are trying to find new corporations.
In a closing speech, the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Mining and Energy, Mrs. Ese Martina Omoruyi further assured the international investors of full support and security of their investments.
“We want to assure you that you are in safe hands and we promise that we are ready to support you as you do business in the Edo State, and we want to see you doing business well in our state.
“On behalf of my department and all the Directors that are here, we say once again, you are welcome,” Mrs. Omoruyi remarked.
