The Katsina State Government has announced plans to explore identified 400 mining sites. The mining sites are spread across the 34 Local Government Areas of the state with 37 different types of mineral resources.
Mr. Abdullahi Imam, the State Commissioner for Rural Development, disclosed the new developments to journalists yesterday during the ministerial briefing in the Government House.
The mineral resources include gold, manganese, feldspars, kaolin, mica, tourmaline, galena, beryllium, asbestos, iron-ore, aquamarine, copper, emerald, sapphire, Chromite, amongst others.
Imam also stated that the government will implement strategies that will attract investors to the state.
The Commissioner acknowledged the need for diversification which will reduce dependence on the oil sector.
‘The mineral sector has the potential of generating millions of jobs for our teaming youths and contributing enormously to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),’ the commissioner stated.
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Alhaji Salisu Mamman, the Chairman of Katsina State Exploration and Mining Company (KEMCO), revealed that the government has incorporated artisanal miners into cooperative groups for enhancement of the pricing of products.
He stated that the strategies already in place will grant Katsina state opportunities to access funds from the World Bank and other financial institutions.
Peace Omenka
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