The Cross River State Government on Monday presented the documents of five hectares of land donated to the Federal Government, for the establishment of Small-Scale Mineral processing plants for barite in the south-south geopolitical zone.
Governor Ben Ayade who presented the documents through his Deputy, Prof Ivara Esu, told the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uchechukwu Ogah, that the siting of the plants in Cross River, will give direct and indirect opportunities to the people of the State.
Ayade while commending the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development for not allowing politics to influence the siting of this project, said that Cross River is the largest producer of barite in southern Nigeria and one of the best in the country.
He promised the Federal Government of more land if needed, to enable the project meet up with international standard.
Also Speaking, the Minister of State for Mine and Steel Development said that Cross River was chosen based on merit, assuring that other support infrastructures, will be provided by the Federal Government.
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The Minister said the development of artisanal and small-scale mineral processing cluster project, is an initiative of the Federal Government in swift reponse to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, that has been ravaging not only Nigeria but the world over.
Edited by Tunde Orebiyi
