Katsina: The Katsina State Exploration and Mining Company (KEMCO) in northwestern Nigeria has engaged the services of a reputable German exploration firm to harness the full potential of mineral deposits across the state. The Managing Director, Katsina State Exploration and Mining Company, Bello Isah Doro, confirmed this to newsmen in Katsina.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the collaboration will evaluate the specific mineral deposits discovered by the state’s mining company. The state has identified many sites with different mineral deposits to attract investors, generate revenue, create jobs, and promote overall economic development. Doro stated that about 15 to 18 mineral resources have been discovered in different local government areas.
GeoScan, the German company involved, conducts remote sensing-based resource exploration. They will collect, analyze, and evaluate project-specific data using a proprietary algorithm, ‘geoScan,’ to discover mineral resources, precious metals, water, geothermal sites, an
d hydrocarbons (oil and gas). The company operates globally and focuses on exploring natural resources up to 10,000 meters below the surface.
The collaboration between GeoScan and the state government follows requests from prospective investors for commercial quantities of discovered minerals to be verified before investing. State Governor Malam Dikko Radda directed this evaluation, marking a significant achievement for Katsina as the only state in Nigeria to engage GeoScan’s services.
Doro noted that all required presentations, including locations, necessary documentation, and mineral samples, have been made to GeoScan for them to commence their work. The survey conducted by GeoScan will provide a permanent roadmap for the state’s mining sector, which will be utilized for many years to come. The survey report, covering minerals up to 1,000 meters below the surface, will be presented to interested investors.
Bello Doro praised the commitments of State Governor Malam Dikko Radda for his dedication to achiev
ing his vision for the New Katsina State.