By Rauf Oyewole, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government is targeting improved revenue generation, mass job creation from solid minerals drive.
Mohammed Maiwada Bello, Commissioner for Natural Resources Development said this on Monday during a state-wide broadcast on the activities of his ministry under the administration of Bala Mohammed.
Bello said that as part of efforts to boost natural resources development, over 100 mineral vendors, mine and tin shade operators have been registered in the State. He said that the government also placed a ban on the issuance of consent letters by the community and traditional leaders to prospective mining investors until they acquire clearance letters from the Ministry.
He lamented the menace of illegal miners, degradation of environment, saying that it has undermined security and compliance to standard operation procedure, revenue generation, community development agreement among others.
According to him, the Ministry has secured a permanent site for the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, Alkaleri (BOGAA) worth over N6 billion. The Oil and Gas Academy was also provided with containerized equipment and 4 motor vehicles for the ministry, BOGAA, Bauchi Synergy and Exploration Limited (BAMSEL).
“We have established a joint venture between the Bauchi Mine Synergy and Exploration Limited and an Indian entity, Prompt Workman Limited valued at $5 million dollars. The joint venture named Bauchi Vikas Resources ltd was formed to establish international mineral trading center in Bauchi.”
