Damaturu, Yobe State (Nigeria): Damaturu – In a bold move to unlock the economic potential of its mineral resources, the Yobe State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with five private firms aimed at accelerating mining activities across the state.
The firms are: Geoscan Technologies, Revolve Mines Limited, Minepro and Energy, Deep Strata, and the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency.
The agreement was sealed during the Yobe Mining stakeholders’ Forum on Thursday in Damaturu.
Governor Mai Mala Buni described the mining sector as crucial to the state’s economic diversification and industrial transformation.
According to Buni, the state is richly endowed with mineral resources, including limestone, gypsum, kaolin, granite, quartz, and silica, among others.
“Yet, for decades, these gifts of nature have remained grossly untapped and underutilised.
“The time has come to turn these hidden potentials into productive assets that will create jobs, generate wealth and advance the socio-economic development of our people,” he said.
Buni stated that the objective of the forum was to develop the sector in alignment with the Federal Government’s policy to encourage community inclusion, attract credible investors, and ensure environmental responsibility.
He said the discussions would revolve around key thematic areas, each representing a building block in the architecture of a sustainable and inclusive mining economy.
He listed the areas to include mineral mapping and data presentation to showcase the state’s known deposits and potential exploration zones, as well as policy and institutional alignment to harmonise state strategies with federal regulations.
“Investor engagement and incentives to create an enabling environment for credible investors, and the role of communities and traditional institutions to ensure fair benefit-sharing and social harmony.
“Environmental and social safeguards to protect natural heritage, security and regulatory compliance to curb illegal mining and guarantee safe operations,” he said.
According to Buni, the state government will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Mining Cadastre Office, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure compliance, transparency, and investor confidence.
The governor tasked traditional rulers to promote peace, prevent conflicts and foster a sense of shared ownership in mining host communities.
Alhaji Kaigama Umar, Commissioner for Commerce, stated that his ministry had identified 26 minerals to be explored, including kaolin, gypsum, trona, laterite, and potash.
He said efforts had reached an advanced stage to make the state a mineral hub, strengthening its industrial base and improving its revenue base.
Additionally, Bamodu Yerima, Managing Director of Yobe Mining Development Company, stated that the company had initiated the registration of artisanal miners in the state.
He said the government would ensure that mining host communities were adequately compensated.
Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Geoscan Technologies, expressed readiness to honour the terms of the agreements.
He stated that the company was involved in exploration, providing aerial scanning and geospatial services to the mining industry, including geological mapping, volume calculations, and environmental impact assessments of mining activities.Eichhorn said that by providing accurate and reliable data using Artificial Intelligence (AI), the firm was helping mining companies optimise their operations, reduce costs, and improve environmental sustainability.