Nigeria has begun refining gold, gemstones, and other mineral resources in its six geopolitical regions.
Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite, the country’s Minister of Mines and Steel Development, asserts that enhancing the value of the nation’s mineral resources will significantly contribute to the creation of jobs and wealth for Nigerians.
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He stated that six processing plants were being built in various regions to process mineral resources that had been deposited there.
“We have set out to do six regional projects and one of them is the gold souk in Kano, the North West region.
“Before now, our gold was being exported in its raw form for close to nothing to foreign counter for processing and we end up buying them expensively. We have trained people who will make jewellery and they will be resident in the plant,” he said.
He stated that similar plants for processing kaolin had been established in Bauchi, North East, and Kogi State, North Central, for the establishment of a gold smelting plant.
Adegbite also stated that a gemstone plant had been established in the South West in Ibadan, and a lead processing plant had also been established in the South East in Ebonyi.
The minister stated that a barite processing plant had been established and that, Nigeria imports baryte for $300 million annually.
He stated that the six regional projects would soon be put into operation and were well on their way to completion.
