Katsina state government has identified 442 mining sites and has commence the process of getting into partnership with various mining companies to carry out a comprehensive Geo-chemical survey on the sites, the state Commissioner of Resource Development, Mustapha Kanti has said
Speaking at the 2nd empowerment and sensitization programme for artisanal miners in the state, Kanti said some selected mining titles have been obtained by the state exploration and mining company as well.
As such, he said, there is the need for Artisanal miners to have value for their products noting that ‘the establishment of mineral buying centre to coordinate the activity of buying and selling was needed at standard value.’
He said the focus of government at all levels is to diversify its economy saying that mining in Katsina is the key to such diversification.
“Government has increased budgetary allocation to the ministry which has put it on sound footing to discharge its responsibilities appropriately,” he said.
