Plans to establish a solid mineral's based cottage industry in each of the 774 local government areas of the country have been concluded by the Federal Government.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc Musa Mohammed Sada, said this in Abuja when he hosted the Bauchi State Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda.

The minister, who did not categorically state the time span of the programme, said the pilot scheme will take off from one local government area in Buachi State before other local government areas across the country.

He said what informed Federal Government's decision is the fact that every local government area in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja is endowed with at least one solid mineral resource.

He said the government was ready to partner with Bauchi State Government and private investors to develop the solid mineral resources in the state.

Sada said that the issue of illegal mining across the country is being addressed in order to protect lives, generate revenue, the environment and to attract foreign direct investment and local investors to the mining industry.

While seeking for the governor's assistance, he observed that one of the major challenges militating against the development of the mining sector is inadequate funding.

Speaking earlier, Governor Isa Yuguda said Bauchi State is blessed with many solid mineral resources among which are: limestone, gypsum, garnet, topaz, aquamarine, copper, kaolin, tourmaline, lead and salt.

He said that the state would register a mining company with Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to go into mining activities.

Yuguda later donated an operational vehicle to the ministry.