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In recognition of the
paramount role of solid mineral resource to the nation’s
economic growth, the Federal Government reaffirmed its
commitment to partner with potential mining investors for
the sustainable growth of the mining sector.
This reaffirmation was
made by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc.
Musa Mohammed Sada, during a meeting with a team of
delegation from Zuma Nigeria Limited led by the Managing
Director, Dr. Innocent Ezuma.
The Minister who
decried the hitherto moribund state of the nation’s mining
sector said that the mining sector is supposed to be the
economic base of Nigeria.."
In his words “As far
as I am concerned in Nigeria, this sector is supposed to be
the number one industry in terms of support to this country,
the edge the sector has, is job creation.
He reiterated the
present administration’s readiness to partner with
interested investors both locally and internationally to
grow the mining sector in Nigeria..
He said “we will do
everything possible to ensure investors that are serious in
operating in this industry are encouraged”.
Arc. Sada commended
the delegation for the confidence and interest shown at
developing the sector.
He disclosed that the
Federal Government is working proactively on the best ways
Coal to Power Project could be achieved as alternative
source of energy for the country.
While assuring the
delegation of an enabling environment to exploit the
nation’s mineral resources, the Minister reiterated the
Federal Government‘s determination to make Nigeria one of
the twenty developed countries among the comity of nations
in the year 20-20.
Earlier in his remark,
the leader of the delegation and the Managing Director, Zuma
Nigeria Limited. Dr. Innocent Esuma said the mission of
their visit was to express their appreciation to the
Minister for granting the mining lease of their company as
well as to brief him on the work progress at the site.
Dr. Esuma said the
company is into coal exploration for the Coal to Power
Project with the company site in Okogbo village, Ankpa, Kogi
State to address the militating power problem in Nigeria.
He added that the
company engaged other mining consultants from France, South
Africa and the United States of America to achieve the
company’s mandate of exploring coal for power generation.
Dr. Emusa explained
that the company, which is left to do the final map design
for equipments to move into the site, had already completed
the coal exploration, Environmental Impact Assessment and
had signed the land lease Memorandum of Understanding as
part of the obligation of Nigeria Mining Law.
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