Christopher Isiguzo
15 November 2008
Abakiliki — Director-General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Mr. Azikiwe Peter Onwalu has identified high cost of exploration lack of adequate funds and the absence of the private sector in mineral development as the major problems influencing optimal utilization of the mineral resources in the country.
Onwalu however, advocated for the establishment of mineral development bank to assist for long term loan to solid mineral developers in the country.
Speaking during a one-day sensitisation seminar on the prospects of the solid mineral resources in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state weekend, the Director General, who was represented by Dr Sam Obasi, a top official of the council said the bank was necessary because the major problems influencing optimal utilisation of the mineral resources are high cost of exploration and beneficiation facilities, lack of adequate funds and private sector involvement in mineral development.
He stated that the council, however, had taken adequate steps towards solving some of the problems through establishment of model factories and joint venture project for beneficiating some of the minerals.
Onwalu also promised that the council would expand the projects by providing technical and other necessary assistance as may be deemed fit to potential investors in mineral base projects in Ebonyi State.
He further called on the government to enhance its interest in solid mineral development, through provision of conducive/enabling environment and as well required infrastructural support facilities such as establishment of standard laboratories that can test mineral samples at bench and pilot scales.
The Director General also advised the state government to give more priority to the establishment of the strategic mineral projects through joint venture operations, where assistance could be given in the areas of acquisition of modern mining equipments technology and skills, provision of mineral development funds and updating mineral database.
He noted that the state should empower State University to take up studies in areas concerning mining and ensure that necessary course like engineering physics among others are given serious priority.
Responding, the state Governor, Mr. Martin Elechi represented by the Commissioner for Boarder Security and Conflict Resolution, Mr. Vincent Agu Okpani said government would ensure that conducive working environment are created for intending investors to thrive in the solid mineral development in the state.
Elechi stated that his government has embarked on vigorous road construction and provision of other amenities in all the parts of the state, to ensure that investors get the solid mineral deposit areas and that a team of geological survey has been in the state to update the date base of the solid minerals in the state.
Earlier in an address the Ebonyi state coordinator of RMRDC Mrs. Chibuzo Abiaeye, that the purpose of the workshop was to educating and sensitizing the people on the need to diversify the nations economy through development and exploration of solid mineral sector.
Abiaeye said the state is visibly endowed with commercial quantities of numerous solid minerals; hence it is very important to create the awareness and sensitize prospective investors and all key players on how to harness the sector for sustainable wealth.
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