In its continuous effort to establish Kano State as a premier destination for solid minerals investment, the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources led a joint delegation on Monday comprising senior ministry officials, a Chinese investor firm, and the owner of a mining cadaster licence.
This team conducted an assessment tour at a mining site located in Zainabi village, Doguwa Local Government Area of the state.
This was made available in a press release issued by the director public enlightenment of the ministry Adamu Ibrahim Dabo Anipr, MNGE.
He said the tour, led by Commissioner Hamza Safiyanu Kachako who was represented by the Director of Mines, Muhammad Bala, aimed to showcase the availability of targeted minerals and to facilitate discussions on the appropriate technologies for their extraction through modern mining procedures.
Commissioner Kachako remarked on the significant impact of artisanal mining activities in the village, noting that their presence has created environmental challenges.
He expressed optimism that larger investors would contribute to transforming the local mining landscape, leading to formalized operations that could positively impact the host community.
Alhaji Sha’aya’u Jibrin, the Director of Environmental Protection, Control, and Safety, raised concerns regarding the detrimental effects of artisanal mining encroaching upon village settlements.
He directed local miners to cease their encroachment and initiate environmental reclamation efforts by filling excavated areas with suitable soil.
This initiative aims to restore the environment and enable community members to cultivate economic trees, providing future economic opportunities beyond mining.
Alen Zhang, Project Manager of Lanhai Mining Company Limited, expressed enthusiasm for the mineral deposits available at the site.
He indicated that the company would deploy the necessary equipment to begin mining activities or exploration upon finalizing a partnership agreement with the mining cadaster licence owner.
Malam Sa’idu Isyaku Maye, representing Santago Nigeria Limited, the owner of the cadaster licence, assured the visiting team of his company’s commitment to the partnership.
The successful collaboration between the ministry, investors, and local licence holders marks a significant step toward the sustainable development of the solid minerals sector in Kano State.
The host of Directors and some senior staff of the ministry were part of the visiting team.
