The Edo State Government says it has secured 40 new licenses for solid mineral deposits in the state through Associates Mining and Investment Company, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) promoted by the state government.
Edo State Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Hon. Enaholo Ojiefoh, who disclosed this in a briefing with journalists, said the state took the bold step to acquire the licenses so that it is not shortchanged in the drive for industrialisation.
Ojiefoh said the state will rent the licenses to interested private investors to exploit the mineral deposits in its jurisdiction.
He added: “Upon getting the licenses, we went back to the drawing board. We engaged with the Community Development Associations in the communities where these solid minerals are found. Between December and January this year, we have received not less than 14 visitors, who are all interested in bringing their money in.
“The governor has asked that this has to be transformed into money. So, we are looking at industrialisation. A Commodities Trading and Mineral Analysis Center is being completed in Dangbala in Akoko Edo. We have had to train our staff working with a research team from the universities.
“We have professors in geology, geophysics, industrial chemistry and biochemistry working with us on the project. We have staff across the state working on identifying more minerals also.
“We have deposits of kaolin in Ubiaja, in Edo Central Senatorial District of the state. We have gypsum in Warrake as well. The State is blessed and we are looking to drive investment with these deposits,” he added.
