Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State government said it has concluded plans to collaborate with a group from Europe, known as Uranium One, to explore investment in solid mineral resources in the state.
The State Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Mr Ojeifoh Enaholo, who met with the investors in Benin, expressed Governor Godwin Obaseki’s readiness to harness the potentials in the sector.
He said that as part of efforts to attract investment in the sector, government had commenced the establishment of the State Mineral Analysis Centre which according to him, would be ready in December 2024.
He stated that upon completion, solid minerals would be analysed at the centre and sold at a percentage instead of the usual give way.
The commissioner added that the centre would save investors the discomfort of sending mineral samples to as far as South Africa.
He stated that the state will be flagging off the biggest coated casium carbonate factory in Nigeria in February 2024.
“The government has registered Miner Investment companies and acquired 40 different licenses that contained different minerals in 40 sites.
“Government will rent it out to indigenous investors. This is one way Obaseki is securing Edo State’s future. He has laid a solid foundation,” Enaholo said.
The Team lead of the Uranium One group, Andrei Mineell, said they were in the State to explore investment and partnership opportunities.