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SME Guide

Untapped Bounty: Exploring the Vast Mineral Wealth and Potential of Cross River State

Nestled in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region, Cross River State harbours immense unexploited mineral resources critical for industrialization and economic growth. Though historically reliant on forestry, agriculture, and tourism, the state is endowed with over 30 untapped minerals scattered across its landmass waiting to be fully harnessed.

Rich Deposits of High-Value Metallic Minerals

Cross River boasts sizable deposits of metallic minerals like zinc, lead, iron ore, tin ore, and gold, among others, concentrated in Obanliku, Ogoja, Yala, Ikom, Obudu, Obubra, Boki, and Odukpani local government areas.

World-Class Zinc-Lead Reserves

Studies verify high-grade zinc-lead reserves exceeding over 7 million tonnes within the Ikom-Mfamosing region, which hosts the globally renowned Aloshi zinc mine—the lone functional mine in the state. Independent assessments rank Cross River’s lead-zinc endowments as Africa’s second largest after the Bole-Nangodi belt in Ghana.

Vast Iron Ore Deposits

Iron ore deposits in the Obanliku and Ogoja areas hold more than 100 million tonnes in gross reserves based on exploratory drilling by the Nigerian Mining Corporation. The ore contains, on average, 40 per cent iron content, underpinning prospects for large-scale mining and steel production.

Promising Gold Occurrences

Historical gold mining activities date as far back as the early 1900s in localities like Ikom, Obubra, Ogoja, Obudu, and Obanliku. Modern gold prospecting has rediscovered encouraging deposits pointing to potential commercial mining opportunities.

Mica and Tin

Significant mica pegmatite occurrences have been identified in parts of Ogoja, while drilling reveals substantial cassiterite (tin) reserves around soup dishes in the Jimini-Oba-Obudu areas.

Gemstones Potential

In addition to high-value metals and minerals, Cross River likely hosts gemstone deposits like emerald, aquamarine, topaz, amethyst, tourmaline, and garnet, opening avenues for mining or retrieval through advanced artisanal and small-scale methods.

Strategic location and supporting infrastructure

Geographically, the state links eastern and southern Nigeria, straddling vital seaports, highways, rail routes, and energy infrastructure critical for the evacuation and export of minerals. An extensive network of existing roads provides access to mining logistics and operations.

Enabling Policy and Institutional Framework

A revamped mining legal regime now guarantees secure mineral titles, fair taxation, and fiscal incentives for investors. The Nigeria Solid Minerals Development Fund (NSMDF) also offers affordable credit to support private sector participation in mining. A dedicated ministry oversees policy formulation and implementation for sustainable mineral extraction.

Promising Socioeconomic Multipliers

Responsible development of Cross River’s mineral wealth will generate substantial government revenues and foreign exchange earnings, apart from thousands of well-paying jobs and multiplier enterprise opportunities across the mining value chain. More importantly, mining activates rural economies, providing sustainable incomes for host communities.

Conclusion

Given dwindling oil revenue, solid minerals now represent Nigeria’s promising frontier for economic diversification, industrial transformation, and inclusive development. Unlocking Cross River State’s buried treasure chest of minerals will catalyse private investment, stimulate industrialization, and ensure significant welfare improvements for its people. With political will and the right policies, a vibrant, responsible, and profitable mineral sector is attainable.

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