23rd February, 2021
Richard Elesho/Lokoja
As a demonstration of its commitment to job creation and a robust economy, the Federal Government has started arrangements for the establishment of a gold processing cluster in Mopamuro local government area of Kogi State.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the State Governor Alh. Yahaya Bello on Monday.
Akinlade stated that Kogi was selected for the North Central Zone owing to the abundant mineral resources in the state. She disclosed that the state was blessed with all kinds of mineral resources which the government and the people need to take advantage to create wealth for the people.
“Establishment of gold processing plant as well as other facilities that will help local miners in the state will help in boosting the state and nation’s economies, job and wealth creation. The project is to be sited in Mopamuro local government area of the state,” she said.
Responding, the state governor, Yahaya Bello, commended the Federal Government for showing interest in solid mineral development in the country and particularly in Kogi, noting that the state is home to all kinds of solid minerals while urging more investment in the development of the nation’s steel sector.
Bello noted that the setting up of gold processing cluster in Kogi will again drive more investors into the state which he said will surpass investment inflow into the state in the last quarter of the year 2020 when Kogi recorded the highest investment inflow in the country.
The governor assured the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development of his administration’s readiness to partner with the ministry in harnessing solid minerals in the state. He said his deputy, Edward Onoja who oversees the State’s Ministry of Solid Mineral will provide the needed input.
PM News reports that Kogi State is blessed with about 27 solid mineral resources in commercial quantity.
MopAmuro has a large deposit of Gold in Takete-Ide area and environs.