The Edo State Government has recently secured 40 new licenses for the exploration of solid mineral deposits within the state, facilitated through the Associates Mining and Investment Company, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) created by the government.
Hon. Enaholo Ojiefoh, the Commissioner for Mining and Energy in Edo State, shared this development with the media, explaining that the government’s proactive approach in acquiring these licenses is part of its strategy to avoid being left behind in the state’s industrial growth. The government is now focusing on renting these licenses to private investors interested in mining these mineral resources.
Ojiefoh further elaborated that after securing the licenses, the government took the necessary steps to ensure proper planning and community engagement. In collaboration with local Community Development Associations (CDAs) in the areas where these minerals are located, the government has already received considerable interest from investors. As of late December and early January, no fewer than 14 investors have shown keen interest in the opportunities, signaling a positive outlook for the state’s mineral sector.
In line with this, the state is aiming to turn these mineral resources into an industrial asset. Plans are underway to complete a Commodities Trading and Mineral Analysis Center in Dangbala, located in the Akoko Edo region. This initiative is expected to enhance the state’s mineral processing capacity and attract further investment.
Additionally, the government is collaborating with academic professionals from geology, geophysics, industrial chemistry, and biochemistry fields, who are assisting with research and staff training. Ojiefoh highlighted that the state is home to significant mineral deposits, including kaolin in Ubiaja, located in the Edo Central region, and gypsum in Warrake, signaling the state’s potential for further growth in the mining industry. The state government is committed to using these resources to drive sustainable investment and economic development.
