The Bauchi State government is targeting improved revenue generation and mass job creation from the solid minerals drive.
 
Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, Mohammed Maiwada Bello, dropped the hint yesterday during a state-wide broadcast on the activities of his ministry under the Bala Mohammed administration.
 
Bello said 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 disclosed that the government had also banned the issuance of consent letters by community and traditional leaders to prospective mining investors until they acquire clearance letters from the ministry.
 
The commissioner decried the menace of illegal miners, degradation of the environment, saying it had undermined security and compliance to standard operating 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 academy was also provided with containerised equipment and four motor vehicles for the ministry, BOGAA, and 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. The joint venture, named Bauchi Vikas Resources Ltd, was formed to establish an international mineral trading centre in Bauchi,” Bello explained.