The Director of Solid Minerals, located in Benue State, Anselm Nege, announced in an interview with The Guardian about the recent discovery of substantial gold and aluminium deposits in several areas around the region.
As of now, the government is working and closely monitoring the mining activities taking place within the state to ensure all the regulatory standards are met, as well as to avoid any illegal mining process. One of the development officials has stated that the recent discovery is providing the state with the opportunity to enhance its role within Nigeria's growing solid minerals sector as well as its overall economy.
It has been further confirmed by Nege that the gold deposits have been discovered near the Kwande Local Government Area and the aluminium deposits have been identified along the state's riverine areas.
Nege, while interviewing for The Guardian, ventured into the discussion about the mining operation. He highlights that, irrespective of some of the mining operations currently underway in many stipulated areas, some are still unregulated or illegal, raising environmental concerns. His comments added that the Benue State government is working towards advancing its efforts to ensure compliance with regulations and adhere to sustainable mining practices.
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The Chief Risk Officer of Benue Investment and Property Company Ltd (BIPC), Andrew Simon Mbaiorga, shed light on the need for a strong operational regulatory framework. This framework is mainly required for the newly identified mineral deposits, which can aid the state towards more profitable and sustainable ventures in Benue State.
Not only this, Mbaiorga has implied that the state government has already prepared a regulatory board, aiding in overseeing and coordinating the mining activities. These regulations were developed to uphold transparency, gain investors' interest and ensure that the discovered minerals are adequately utilised and are in accordance with sustainable development practices.
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With that being said, the recent discoveries of aluminium and gold have aided Benue State in securing a position in Nigeria's emerging hub for the solid minerals sector. At the revenue front, these findings diversify and will benefit both state and national efforts. Strong governance, wise investments and sustainable practices are the key to transforming Benue's economic landscape and nurturing long-term industrial growth.
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