Akwa Ibom State government has commenced moves to explore the viability of reported gold and coal deposits in some parts of the state in a renewed bid to expand the economic base of the state.
It has also explained its growing partnership with China for the industrial and business development of the state.
Chairman of the State Investment Corporation, AKICORP, Dr Elijah Akpan, told newsmen in Uyo yesterday that geologists would soon be contracted to determine the exact location and viability of the two minerals in the area.
“The Chinese and Canadians are coming with their superior technology that will be based on using satellite technology to locate the exact locations of these minerals and how viable they will be,” Akpan said.
The chairman said that the move was part of plans to also generate employment and discourage over reliance on crude oil proceeds which has continued to dwindle in recent times at the international market.
He described last month’s Chinese investment delegation visit to the state as fruitful adding that the Chinese were satisfied with what was on ground and had expressed interest in investing in manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, oil and gas, automobile, mining, tourism, energy and railway.
He explained that the growing partnership with China was due to their renewed and favourable interest in recent times in Africa.
Source: Today
