Zamfara govt assures mining investors of safety, enabling environment

.Condemn illegal mining activities

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, on Monday, assured local and international investors who are willing to invest in solid minerals in the state to avail themselves the opportunity for there is safety and enabling environment business.

It said that the state has a lot to offer to support investors, with at least 27 different solid minerals, including gold, lithium among other critical minerals beneath the surface within its territorial jurisdiction.

Lawal, who was represented by the Executive Secretary, of the Investment Promotion Agency (ZIPA), Mariam Yaro, at the press briefing in Abuja, called on willing investors, both local and international, to take advantage of the open door to intending mining investors in the state.

The governor allayed the fears of investors, saying that the state government had put mechanisms in place to ensure investors safety and the enabling environment to facilitate ease of doing business.

He said: To the best of my knowledge, we have 27 different minerals in commercial quantity in Zamfara, and you also know that apart from the minerals, a state is very well endowed with agricultural produce. When you take these two critical aspects of the economy together, you would agree with me that Zamfara is a sure destination for investors.

So, those willing to invest, should come to Zamfara. And honestly no one should be scared of investing as their safety and enabling environment is assured. I know that in other areas like the Republic of Congo, where you have all these diamonds and others, no matter the insecurity so long as people know that there are mineral resources there, they will always find their way.

He said security arrangement is thick enough to protect people and and their interests in the state as it is inclusive of all relevant security outfits, local vigilantes, and the citizens, adding that they expect to have about 300 representatives from each of the 14 local governments areas that would also assist in the area of security for the state.

He also noted that, considering the fact that many women today are boosting their economy in artisanal and small scale mining, the government is doing everything possible to empower women in the state by encouraging and integrating them formally into the sector.