Dr John Pakka, a solid mineral and agricultural expert, on Wednesday said the vast mineral resources in the North-East were capable of driving economic development.
Pakka, President, African Mineral Rating and Exchange, AME, said this at the North-East 2025 African Mineral Summit and Exhibition, in Yola.
The theme of the summit was “Bridging Agriculture and Solid Mineral Value Chain Development Gap.”
Mr Pakka, convener of the summit, said in a paper titled “Solid Minerals and Agricultural Value Chain Development” that Adamawa and the entire North-East region were endowed with over 50 known
minerals, both metallic and non-metallic.
“Adamawa alone has a large deposit of aluminum spread across six local government areas, enough to meet the country’s needs, with several other solid minerals,” he said.
Mr Pakka insisted that solid minerals remained the bedrock of economic development and industrialisation, providing solutions to unemployment and poverty.
He highlighted key minerals in the region, including lead ore, zinc ore, fluorite, coal, monazite, limestone, and precious metals.
This, he said, could present opportunities in jewellery making, geology, stone tumbling and mining, among others.
He expressed concern on how deposits of solid minerals remained underutilised in the state.
The expert said the absence of aluminum companies in Adamawa despite the abundant resources available was worrisome.
Mr Pakka linked lack of investment in the sector to limited awareness and access to relevant knowledge.
“To start a mining business, you need proper knowledge and legal documentation.
“Then, investors will be willing to partner with those who meet the requirements.
“You must have a registered company or cooperative and secure a license either for small-scale mining, exploration, or full mining operations,” the expert said.
The Chairman of the summit, Prof. Bashir Aliyu, an expert in agro-processing engineering and mineral development, said the North-East region was rich in both agricultural and mineral resources.
He stressed the need for public awareness to maximise the mineral resources for sustainable development.
Aliyu, however, identified illegal mining as a major obstacle hindering progress in the state.
“Illegal miners, including undocumented immigrants who understand the value of these resources are extracting wealth without licenses or adherence to regulations.
“This unregulated activity deprives the government of revenue, degrades the environment, and poses risks to local communities,” he said.
The summit featured a panel discussion on solid minerals and innovative agricultural models, alongside an exhibition, showcasing the region’s economic potential.
NAN
