Katsina govt. to establish company for solid minerals exploration

KATSINA State Government on Wednesday said that it would establish a mining company to explore the 36 different solid minerals found in commercial quantities in the state.

Alhaji Mustapha Kanti, Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, told newsmen in Katsina that the solid minerals were found in large quantities across the 34 Local Government Areas of the state.

According to the commissioner, the solid minerals were identified by the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria, in collaboration with the state government.

He said that the mining company, if established, would work with some foreign investors for the exploration project.

Kanti said that the move would assist the state government in generating more funds to execute more projects and provide employment for youths in the state.

“Katsina is blessed with abundant solid minerals scattered in different parts of the state.

“We are working on the exploration of these mineral deposits to generate revenue and provide employment for our people”.

The commissioner said the state government had established a team to stop illegal mining activities across the state.

“Any company or individual caught indulging in illegal mining will be prosecuted,” he said.

The commissioner said that the ministry recently convened a meeting to sensitize community leaders on the need to report any illegal mining in their areas.