In an act to foster development in mining sector, Edo State Government says it has secured 40 new licences for solid mineral deposits in the state through Associate Mining and Investment Company, a special-purpose vehicle promoted by the state government.

Enaholo Ojiefoh, the Commissioner for Mining and Energy, revealed this in Benin on Monday, that the state took the necessary step to acquire the licences to avoid being shortchanged in its drive for industrialization.

He stressed that the state would rent the licences for private investors to exploit the mineral deposits in the state.

He said, “Upon getting the licenses, we went back to the drawing board. We engaged with the Community Development Associations in the areas where these solid minerals are found. Between December and January this year, we have received not less than 14 visitors, who are all interested in bringing their money in.

“The governor has asked that this be transformed into money. So, we are looking at industrialisation. A Commodities Trading and Mineral Analysis Centre is being completed in Dangbala in Akoko Edo. We have had to train our staff, working with a research team from the universities.

“We have professors in geology, geophysics, industrial chemistry and biochemistry working with us on the project. We have staff across the state working on identifying more minerals.”

Ojeifoh said, the state has deposits of kaolin in Ubiaja, Edo Central Senatorial District of the state, while gypsum is available in Warrake as well.

“The state is blessed, and we are looking to drive investment with these deposits,” he added.