The Kwara State government has expressed its readiness to reposition and develop the solid minerals sector for socio-economic development of the state.
The commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Afees Abolore, made this known in Ilorin, the state capital during a meeting with geological services consultants who came at his instance to present a roadmap for the development of the solid minerals sector in the state.
Abolore, who said the engagement focused on socio-economic development of the state restated the preparedness of his ministry to identifying and exploiting the state’s mineral resources and establishing a new mining regulatory framework with a view to stepping up actions to curb illegal activities in the sector.
“The repositioning of the solid minerals sector is a key component of our administration’s economic diversification strategy. We are committed to creating an enabling environment for mining operators to thrive and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
” Government is therefore ready to come up with a regulatory framework and roadmap which include providing incentives for investors, promoting sustainable mining practices, improving revenue generation, safeguarding the host communities against environmental degradation and establishing a mining development fund to support local mining communities which in turn would create more employment opportunities for residents”, Abolore said.
He added that the state government would partner private sector
operators to develop mining infrastructure and provide training for
artisanal miners.
Earlier, the lead consultant, Dr. Steve Ipinniwa, said Kwara’s
abundant mineral resources, which remained untapped, holds the key to
its economic development, especially in the face of the dwindling
prices of crude oil in the international market.
He maintained that the only option for the country at this critical
period was to explore minerals resources and agriculture potentials
for the economic development of the country.
Ipinniwa added that, ” though mining is on the exclusive list of the
federal government by regulation and licensing, this however, did not
stop the State government from benefiting or developing the sector
with collaboration and working round the appropriate legislations and
laws guiding the mining industry.”
