The Government of Abia state has disclosed her readiness to explore the mineral deposits in the state.
The government revealed that they are currently in the process of initiating the development of the state’s solid minerals sector with the recent discovery of 17 valuable mineral resources within its territory.
The solid minerals that could be found in various parts of Abia include limestone, kaolin, gypsum, galena, bentonite clay, silica sand, black marble, copper, gold, phosphate, salt, laterite, gravel, lignite, granite, coal and magnetite.
Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu disclosed this on Monday at Government House Umuahia, during a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council Meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the 17 solid minerals were located in various parts of the state including Ohafia, Arochukwu, Umunneochi, Isukwuato,Ukwa East among others and added that the government would deploy the relevant resources to explore the array of solid minerals.
Kanu while noting that the solid minerals sector of the state holds tremendous opportunities for investments and job opportunities, said the sector would further boost the revenue base of the state.
“The state government is ready to explore the array of solid minerals the state has been blessed with as a number of them have not been tapped over the years.This government is very committed to ensuring that the solid minerals are tapped.
“The idea behind this is to provide investment opportunities, because we need investors, to provide job opportunities for the people of Abia and boost the state’s revenue base,” Kanu added.
Also, the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Joel Ogbonna, said that Abia government was working in line with the Federal Government’s (FG) agenda to transform the solid minerals sector.
“We want to take a step further to go into appraisal and development to ascertain the quantity available would be enough to attract investors.
“The FG has made solid minerals a top players in terms of investments and has outlined seven solids minerals which include limestone, coal, gold,Iron ore, bitumen, lead-zinc and barite.
“When you look at the list, one can see that Abia has the top three listed solid minerals”. he said.
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